10 franchise bills get final Senate nod

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has swiftly approved on third and final reading 10 franchise bills involving telecommunications, broadcast, power, and race track companies.

During Monday’s plenary session, the chamber approved the franchise bids of the following:

• Cruz Telephone Company, Inc.

Operates a telecommunications system under Manila East Holding Corporation and J.S. Cruz Construction and Development Inc.  Franchise expired on March 29, 2020, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Tandag Electric and Telephone Company, Inc.

Operates a public domestic telecommunications. Franchise to expire on July 16, 2023, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Bayan Telecommunications, Inc.

Operates domestic telecommunications, radiophones, broadcasting, and telecasting under the same company name and Globe Telecom Inc. Franchise to expire on August 9, 2021, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• FBS Radio Network

Operates radio and television broadcasting. The franchise expired on July 9, 2020, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Century Communications Marketing Center Inc.

Operates radio and television broadcasting. The franchise expired on July 16, 2020, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Caceres Broadcasting Corporation

Operates radio and television broadcasting. The franchise expired on July 9, 2020, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Philippine Collective Media Corporation

Expanding to digital television. Franchise to expire on November 14, 2034, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Negros Broadcasting and Publishing Corporation

Operates radio and television broadcasting. The franchise expired on September 23, 2020, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Davao Light and Power Company

Operates electric light, heat, and power systems. Franchise to expire on September 7, 2025, seeking renewal of a 25-year franchise.

• Metro Manila Turf Club Inc.

Operates racetrack for horse racing. The franchise expired on April 22, 2020, seeking a 35-year franchise.

Meanwhile, senators are also set to approve on second reading the franchise bid of San Miguel Aerocity Inc., which seeks to construct an airport in Bulacan. [ac]