Press Release
September 17, 2012

Senate renews franchises of 2 broadcast companies

The Senate today approved on third and final reading two franchise bills for the construction, operation, installation, and maintenance of broadcasting stations in the country.

Approved with twenty affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention, House Bill Nos. 6032 and 5576 were sponsored by Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, chairman of the Committee on Public Services, and Sen. Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations, respectively.

Revilla cited the country's need to "further enrich and improve its information technology systems."

The country has to keep abreast with the latest technologies in the business to be at par with international standards, Revilla added.

According to Revilla, whose committee is tasked to fully investigate the papers of public service companies requesting for renewal of their franchises, both the Phil. Global Communication, Inc. and Quest Broadcasting, Inc. have been in operation and are operating as attested to by the National Telecommunications Commissions and that no violations were committed since the start of the operations.

The two corporations have been organized under Philippine laws complying with the requirements set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the provisions of the Local Government Code.

HBN 6032 granted franchise to the Philippine Global Communities, Inc. (formerly RCA Communications, Inc.) for another 25 years while HBN 5576 renewed the franchise to Quest Broadcasting, Inc. (formerly SBS Radio Network, Inc.).

Revilla said the renewal of franchises to the concerned networks will foster a healthier competition in the telecommunications industry and would likewise provide advantages and benefits to the consumers by giving them better programs and excellent service.

"The Philippine Global Communities, Inc. and Quest Broadcasting, Inc. have complied with the requirements of the Department of Transportation and Communication. Both companies have no recorded violations that might disqualify them from having their franchises renewed," Revilla said. (PILAR MACROHON, PRIB)

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