Without Duterte signature, bill extending CBCP’s broadcasting franchise lapses into law

MANILA, Philippines—The measure seeking to extend for another 25 years the broadcasting franchise of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)  has lapsed into law.

Republic Act 11319 has lapsed into law on April 22 after President Rodrigo Duterte did not act on its bicameral conference committee report, a document released by Malacañang Thursday showed.

The new law amended Republic Act No. 7530, which extended the CBCP’s franchise for 25 years in 1992. It was originally granted a franchise under Republic Act No. 5172 in 1967.

The measure allows the CBCP to “construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain for religious, educational, cultural and commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio and/or television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.”

The religious organization operates radio stations across the country through its Catholic Media Network arm.

An annual report of compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise must also be submitted to Congress. It is among the requirements before any application for permit or certification from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).  /muf