IBC-13 FRANCHISE RENEWAL APPROVE ON 2ND READING

January 26, 2023

Tags

National News

The bill granting Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation more popularly known as “IBC-13” to renew another 25-year legislative franchise has easily passed on second reading during the House plenary session yesterday, January 25.

IBC13 is a government-owned media network whose contract is set to expire in September 2025. Parañaque City 2nd District Representative Gus Tambunting is the principal author of House Bill 6505.

House Bill 6505 seeks to renew the franchise granted to IBC-13 under Republic Act No. 8954, “an act granting the intercontinental broadcasting corporation a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines”

Under Republic Act No. 8954, the network’s franchise is valid until September 2, 2025, and a fresh renewal will allow IBC-13 to continue commercial radio and television operations in the Philippines up until 2025.

In his privilege speech, Tambunting stressed “the vital role of communication and information in nation building”, citing Article II Section 24 of the Constitution.

Tambunting also mentioned that during the Covid-19 pandemic, when schools across the country closed, IBC-13 aired educational-related television programs from the Department of Education.

“The mission of IBC-13 is to inspire brilliant children towards a brighter tomorrow and a better Philippines. Distinguished members of the House of Representatives, I ask for approval of the franchise of IBC-13 for them to achieve their vision-mission for the Filipino people,” Tambunting said.

Currently, IBC13 has five provincial television stations and eleven provincial radio stations.