The Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) on Thursday expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Senate, and the House of Representatives for renewing its broadcast franchise for another 25 years, calling the move a reaffirmation of trust in its mandate as a state-run media network.
“The renewal of IBC’s franchise marks a renewed commitment to strengthen our role as a vital pillar in Philippine broadcasting,” IBC-13 President and Chief Executive Officer Jimmie Policarpio said in a statement.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Senate, and the House of Representatives for their trust and support in renewing IBC’s broadcast franchise,” he added.
The statement came after President Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 12311 on Oct. 3, granting IBC the authority to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations nationwide for commercial purposes and in the public interest.
Policarpio noted that the franchise renewal “reinforces our ongoing efforts to modernize our network, expand digital coverage, and uphold our mandate of public service.”
“With this renewal, IBC is firmly positioning itself to serve the Filipino people with greater reach, relevance, and reliability in the years ahead,” he said.
Under the new law, IBC is mandated to provide free and adequate public service time for government messages, including important announcements, emergency warnings, and public information campaigns.
The law also empowers the President to temporarily take over or suspend network operations in times of war, calamity, or national emergency.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is tasked to issue the necessary permits and licenses and ensure compliance, while Congress will monitor IBC’s adherence to its franchise obligations through annual reporting.
RA 12311 also directs IBC to offer at least 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens within five years, promote employment opportunities, and accept on-the-job trainees in its operations.
Established as a government-sequestered network, IBC said it aims to maximize the new franchise period to pursue modernization initiatives and strengthen its digital transformation, ensuring it remains a trusted and relevant platform for public information and national development.
