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The House of Representatives final reading ratification of the bill extending the license granted to state-owned television network Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) by another 25 years was a difficulty.

House Bill (HB) 6505, which would allow IBC-13 to continue its commercial radio and television broadcasting operations in the Philippines, was adopted by the house with 272 votes during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Five provincial TV stations, four relay stations, and 11 regional radio stations are all part of IBC-13.

The bill was authored by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Rep. Gus Tambunting of Paranaque City, Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut of the KUSUG TAUSUG Party-list, Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan of Ilocos Sur, Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay, and Rep. Noel Rivera of Tarlac.

The bill’s authors stated that since the services provided to all classes of viewers are above reproach, “the role of broadcasting organizations in serving the needs of the public and clients in information, education, and entertainment for the Filipino viewers should be given the utmost recognition.”

In order to ensure the best possible rendition and availability of its services, IBC-13 is required under the bill to build and operate its stations with the least possible interference on the wavelengths or frequencies of current or future stations.

For the development and use of its facilities, IBC-13 must get the necessary licenses and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

For infractions of its rules, the NTC may request to Congress that IBC-13’s franchise be revoked.

In order for the government to reach the relevant people and convey statements on crucial public concerns or warnings regarding public catastrophes and calamities, IBC-13 shall be required to give sufficient public service time at no cost.

Such public service time shall be distributed as necessary to the Executive and Legislative branches, the Judiciary, Constitutional Commissions, and international humanitarian organizations legally recognized by statutes, and shall not exceed a total of 10% of paid commercials or advertisements.

The President may temporarily take over and run its stations or facilities in times of war, insurrection, public danger, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order, or he may give any government agency permission to temporarily utilize them in exchange for payment.

IBC-13 also mandates that each broadcasting network or station devote a minimum of 15% of its daily total airtime to family-friendly programming.

IBC-13 must “always deliver sound and balanced programming; promote public engagement; aid in the tasks of public information and education; conform to the ethics of honest enterprise; and enhance audience sensibility and empowerment, including closed captioning,” according to the bill.

Using its stations or facilities, however, “for the broadcast of obscene or indecent language, speech, act, or scene, the dissemination of deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation, to the prejudice of public interest, or to incite, encourage, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts” is forbidden.

Article II Section 24 of the Constitution, which specifically states that “the State recognizes the crucial function of communication and information in nation-building,” was used by Tambunting in support of his argument for the renewal of the franchise.

“IBC-13’s goal is to become the national network for kids’ education. “IBC-13 shall be focused on the education of our greatest national resource, the Filipino youth, in partnership with the Department of Education and with every Filipino family, correcting outmoded, traditional behavior that continues to stand in the way of development and progress, and providing programming that promotes positive Filipino values, good morals, and right conduct,” said Tambunting, chair of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises and the bill’s sponsor.

Salceda, on the other hand, emphasized the significance of awarding IBC-13 a new franchise, pointing out that doing so would raise IBC-13’s book value and make it more appealing to potential buyers whenever it is ready to be privatized.

“IBC would have been forced to shut down without a franchise. Since it has negative equity, whatever assets it still possesses will be sold to cover its debts. Should we ever decide to privatize the broadcaster, the franchise creates a premium for valuing the IBC, Salceda remarked. “Privatization does have alternatives, though. In fact, we could probably still include a public broadcasting function in the contract even if we privatize it.

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