Abolishing The Media Advisory Council And The Bureau Of Standards For Mass Media, And Authorizing The Organization Of Regulatory Councils For Print Media And For Broadcast Media

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 576

Policy of the State
- To allow mass media to operate without government intervention or supervision in policy determination and news dissemination activities. (Section 1)

Abolition of Existing Bodies
- The Media Advisory Council and the Bureau of Standards for Mass Media are abolished. (Section 1)

Division of Mass Media
- Mass media is divided into two groups: Print Media and Broadcast Media. (Section 2)
- Print Media includes newspapers, periodicals, magazines, journals, publications, advertising in print media, billboards, neon signs, and the like. (Section 2)
- Broadcast Media includes radio and television broadcasting, cinematographic or radio promotions, and advertising. (Section 2)

Self-Regulation and Internal Discipline
- Each group (Print Media and Broadcast Media) is authorized to organize and determine the composition of a regulatory council or body. (Section 2)
- The regulatory councils are responsible for instituting and formulating systems of self-regulation and internal discipline within their respective groups. (Section 2)

Responsibilities of Regulatory Councils
- Evaluate the ethics and standards of excellence of mass media within their respective groups. (Section 3)
- Adopt policies, formulate guidelines, fix standards, and promulgate rules and regulations for the operation and discipline of mass media under their supervision. (Section 3)
- Administer and enforce the policies, standards, guidelines, and rules and regulations. (Section 3)
- Ensure conformity with existing laws, especially those on national security. (Section 3)

Registration and Certification
- No mass media activity shall be undertaken without first being registered with the respective regulatory council. (Section 4)
- Regulatory councils shall issue certificates of registration to qualified applicants. (Section 4)
- Councils have the authority to suspend or cancel certificates of registration for cause, as provided in their rules and regulations. (Section 4)
- No certificate of registration shall be granted to those engaged in mass media that were ordered closed and/or sequestered in September 1972 upon the promulgation of Proclamation No. 1081. (Section 4)

Existing Permits
- Existing permits for the operation of mass media on the date this decree takes effect shall continue to be valid unless suspended or withdrawn for cause by the respective council. (Section 5)

Cooperation with Government Agencies
- All government agencies are enjoined to extend their utmost assistance and cooperation to the councils. (Section 6)

Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, rules and regulations, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with this decree are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 7)

Effectivity
- This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 8)