Aquino wants only 1 gov’t TV network

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–President Aquino wants only one government TV network, which is why the administration is planning to complete the privatization of IBC 13 before his term ends, according to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma.

Coloma, who appeared at the Senate for the hearing on the budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, said the privatization of the IBC 13 had started.

Coloma said it has engaged the services of a privatization process manager, which is the Development Bank of the Philippines.

“The policy of the President is there should only be one government television network, which is why our time frame is to accomplish this [privatization] during the term of our President,” he said.

Coloma also said a dispute on payment delays relating to IBC’s joint venture agreement with R-II builders was already under arbitration.

Sen. Francis Escudero, finance committee chair, said that while the privatization is not complete, IBC 13 is “in limbo.”

Escudero said Congress could appropriate funds to help IBC update its unpaid contributions to Philhealth and the Social Security System, so that the employees would be able to get their benefits.–Leila B. Salaverria