IBC13 franchise renewed
THE franchise of state-owned television network IBC-13 was renewed for another 25 years.
Before the session break, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises granted the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), a state-owned television network under the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO), a franchise until September 2050.
Its existing franchise under Republic Act No. 8954 granted the IBC a franchise to operate until September 2025.
One of the authors of House Bill 5404 or the 25-year renewal of the legislative franchise is Albay Rep. Joey Salceda to which he envisions a stronger role for an expanded IBC in disaster preparedness and participative governance, “given its design as a corporation without a profit motive.”
“I envision IBC TV and state media in general to play a more significant role in disaster preparedness. As being close to the organs of government, the station is uniquely positioned to be the first source of government announcements, requests, and instructions,” Salceda said.
“That unique position is most crucial during a disaster. That’s why I think programming has to be geared towards disaster announcements. The airing of the Laging Handa briefings in the network is a prime example of what can be sustained as it repurposes,” he added.
The network was also tapped to air educational programs to aid remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salceda added that the IBC can serve as an avenue for the public to air out their concerns on pressing or relevant issues and directly interact with concerned officials.
“I strongly suggest that the IBC also air programs where members of the public can pose questions to government officials, on everything from how to pay taxes as a small business, to how to avail of medical assistance programs of the government,” Salceda said.
According to Salceda, the IBC can be a ‘tanungan at sumbungan’ for the public.
He proposed the creation of programs in line with the thrusts of Hotline 8888 or the Presidential Complaint Center.
