PBBM renews IBC 13 franchise for 25 years

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12311, renewing the franchise of state-owned Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC 13) for another 25 years.

RA 12311 grants IBC-13 the authority to construct, install, maintain, and operate radio and television broadcasting stations anywhere in the Philippines where frequencies are available and in the public interest.

The new law stipulates that the franchise will be automatically revoked if IBC 13 ceases operations for two consecutive years.

IBC-13 is prohibited from requiring previous censorship for broadcast content but remains liable for any violations of law or infringement of private rights.

Under the renewal, IBC-13 must secure all necessary permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to operate its facilities, and the NTC is prohibited from unreasonably delaying or withholding those permits.

Within five years, IBC-13 must offer at least 30% of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens via a securities exchange.

The broadcasting network is mandated to create employment opportunities and accept on-the-job trainees, prioritizing local residents and adhering to labor laws.

Transferring controlling interest or assigning the franchise to another entity requires prior approval from Congress.