Senate okays franchises of six broadcast firms

MANILA, Philippines  — The Senate has passed on third and final reading bills seeking to renew the legislative franchises of six broadcast companies for another 25 years.

The approved bills concerned the franchises of Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media, Inc.; Crusaders Broadcasting System; Bicol Broadcasting System, Inc.; Golden Broadcast Professional, Inc.; Gold Label Broadcasting System, Inc.; and First United Broadcasting Corp., now known as the Global Satellite Technology Services, Inc.

Gold Label Broadcasting System’s franchise is set to expire in May while the rest in July, Senator Grace Poe said in a statement on Wednesday.

All six broadcast franchises were passed on third reading on Monday and were transmitted to the House of Representatives for their approval of the Senate amendments.

“We want to make sure that all franchises are given equal opportunity and prompt scrutiny as we recognize the value of able media firms as sources of job opportunities and information especially in the countryside,” Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, said.

Poe, who welcomed the approval of the bills, reiterated that a franchise is a public duty.

“Hindi ito karapatan na pwede sa lahat, para sa lahat, kundi isang pribilehiyo na ibinibigay lamang sa mga may kakayanang gampanan ang mga tungkulin na nilalaman nito,” she said.

(This is not a right that everybody can avail of but a privilege that is given to those who have the capacity to perform their duties).