Duterte OKs 25-year franchise extension to Smart Broadband, 5 other firms

FILE PHOTO: A telecommunication transmitter

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law six measures granting a 25-year extension to the franchise to six telecommunication firms, including businessman Manny Pangilinan’s Smart Broadband Inc.

On Monday, Malacañang released the following laws approved by Duterte, all of which he signed last Friday, April 8:

Republic Act No. 11678 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Meridian Telekoms, Inc., presently known as Smart Broadband Inc.

Republic Act No. 11675 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Odiongan Telephone Corporation

Republic Act No. 11674 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Mati Telephone Corporation

Republic Act No. 11679 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Bicol Telephone and Telegraph Inc.

Republic Act No. 11677 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to Marbel Telephone System Inc.

Republic Act No. 11676 renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to R.C. Yulo Telephone System Inc.

Apart from this, Duterte also signed two laws granting a franchise to two firms, namely:

Republic Act No. 11681 granting Capricom Broadcasting Network a franchise to install, establish, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in Tabaco City in Albay province and other areas in the Philippines; and,

Republic Act No. 11673 granting Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Broadcasting Foundation a franchise to install, establish, operate and maintain radio and television stations in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

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