President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12311, renewing for another 25 years the legislative franchise of the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC), a government-sequestered television network operating under Republic Act No. 8954.

Under RA 12311, IBC is authorized to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations throughout the Philippines, including digital television systems and other emerging broadcast technologies, for commercial purposes and in the public interest.

The law mandates that IBC shall secure the necessary permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and ensure that its broadcast operations do not interfere with existing frequencies.

The law further emphasizes the network’s responsibility to provide adequate public service time, promote balanced and child-friendly programming, and support the government’s public information and education efforts.

In times of national emergency, calamity, or public peril, the law also reserves the President’s authority to temporarily take over or suspend the operations of the network in the interest of public safety and welfare.

The renewed franchise requires IBC to create employment opportunities, comply with labor standards, and ensure transparency through annual reporting to Congress on its operations, financial performance, and ownership structure.

The corporation must also offer at least 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens within five years from the effectivity of the Act to encourage public participation.

Failure to comply with key provisions — such as continuous operation, reportorial submissions, and dispersal of ownership —may result in the revocation of the franchise.

Republic Act No. 12311 ensures that IBC continues to serve the Filipino public as a relevant and responsible broadcast network aligned with the nation’s goals of transparent governance, informed citizenry, and technological advancement. | PND