Duterte signs law extending Philippine Broadcasting Corporation's franchise for 25 years

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law extending for another 25 years the franchise of the Philippine Broadcasting Corporation.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11240 on March 8, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

Under the law, the PBC must secure appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the construction and operation of its stations or facilities. PBC is barred from using any frequency in the radio/television spectrum without clearance from the NTC.

The NTC, however, shall not unreasonably withhold or delay the grant of any such authority. PBC is also prohibited from disposing and leasing its facilities except to entities with radio or television franchise.

The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. —KG, GMA News