Four bills either granting or renewing the franchise of telecommunications companies for 25 years have lapsed into law.
Malacanang released yesterday copies of Republic Act (RA) 11773, 11774 and 11801 that renew the franchises granted to Panay Telephone Corp., Calapan Telephone System Inc. and Victorias Telephone System Inc., respectively, for another 25 years.
Malacanag also released a copy of RA 11775 granting the estate of Amado L. Ola, OPC, doing business as Amapola Broadcasting System, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.
The four measures lapsed into law last May 27, 2022, or were enacted without the signature of President Duterte.
Under the four measures, the franchise grantees must secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) a certificate of public convenience and necessity or the appropriate permits and licenses.
In case of any violation of the provisions of the franchise, the NTC has the authority to revoke or suspend, after due process, the permits or licenses the regulatory body issued pursuant to the franchise, and may likewise recommend to Congress the revocation of the franchise for any violation of its provisions.
