The Senate approved on third and final reading on Monday, September 28, 2026, several legislative measures granting and renewing franchises for six radio and television broadcasting networks and expanding the coverage of an electric power provider.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who sponsored the measures, emphasized the enduring role of traditional broadcast media in the daily lives of Filipinos, particularly amid the proliferation of unverified information online.
“Despite the changes in how people consume media, radio and television remain important sources of reliable news, information, entertainment, emergency updates and even education for many Filipinos,” Tulfo said, noting the importance of ensuring the public has access to responsible and reliable sources of information.
The chamber passed House Bill Nos. 6904, 8461, 9000, and 9001, granting new broadcast franchises to Exodus Broadcasting Company, Inc., Katigbak Enterprises (San Pablo City) Incorporated, Times Broadcasting Network Corporation, and Cagayan de Oro Media Corporation to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television stations across the Philippines.
Additionally, senators approved House Bill No. 6914 and House Bill No. 7646, renewing for another 25 years the franchises of Central Mindanao University (under Republic Act No. 9044) to operate educational and noncommercial radio and television broadcasting stations in Maramag, Bukidnon, and Benguet Broadcasting Corporation, now known as Sphere Entertainment Inc. (under Republic Act No. 9119, as amended), to operate stations nationwide.
The Senate also approved House Bill No. 7647 on final reading, expanding the electric distribution service franchise of MORE Power to cover the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin in the province of Iloilo.