April 8, 2022
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11680
AN ACT GRANTING SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, ESTABLISH, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER RELATED PURPOSES RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS WITHIN ITS CAMPUSES IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEZON
SECTION 1.Nature and Scope of Franchise. — Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and applicable laws, rules and regulations, there is hereby granted to Southern Luzon State University hereunder referred to as the Grantee, its successors or assignees, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain for educational, cultural, and other related purposes, and in the public interest, radio and television broadcasting stations, where frequencies and channels are still available for radio and television broadcasting, including digital television system, through microwave, satellite or whatever means, as well as the use of any new technology in television and radio systems, with the corresponding technological auxiliaries and facilities, special broadcast and other program and distribution services and relay stations within its campuses in the...
Nature and Scope of Franchise (Section 1):
- Grants Southern Luzon State University (the Grantee) a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations for educational, cultural, and other related purposes within its campuses in the Province of Quezon.
- Allows the use of any new technology in television and radio systems.
Manner of Operation (Section 2):
- The stations shall be operated in a manner that results in minimum interference with existing stations.
Prior Approval of NTC (Section 3):
- The Grantee must secure appropriate permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for construction and operation.
- The NTC shall not unreasonably withhold or delay the grant of authority.
- The NTC has the authority to revoke or suspend permits or licenses after due process for any violation.
Responsibility to the Public (Section 4):
- The Grantee shall provide free public service time equivalent to a maximum of 10% of paid commercials, allocated to the government branches, judiciary, constitutional commissions, and international humanitarian organizations.
- The Grantee shall allot a minimum of 15% of daily total air time to child-friendly shows.
- The Grantee shall not broadcast obscene or indecent content, disseminate false information, or incite subversive acts.
Right of the Government (Section 5):
- The President can temporarily take over, suspend operations, or authorize temporary use of the stations during times of war, public peril, calamity, or disturbance of peace and order, with due compensation to the Grantee.
Term of Franchise (Section 6):
- The franchise is valid for 25 years from the effectivity of the Act, unless revoked or cancelled.
- The franchise shall be deemed revoked if the Grantee fails to commence operations within 3 years from NTC permit approval, within 5 years from the Act's effectivity, or continuous operation for 2 years.
Self-regulation and Undertaking (Section 7):
- The Grantee shall not require previous censorship but shall cut off the airing of content that incites treason, rebellion, sedition, or is indecent or immoral.
Warranty to the Government (Section 8):
- The Grantee shall hold the national and local governments free from claims arising out of accidents during construction or operation.
Employment Opportunities (Section 9):
- The Grantee shall create employment opportunities and accept on-the-job trainees, with priority to residents of the principal office location, following civil service rules.
Sale or Transfer of Franchise (Section 10):
- The Grantee shall not sell, lease, transfer, grant usufruct of, or assign the franchise to any other entity.
Reportorial Requirement (Section 11):
- The Grantee shall submit an annual report on its compliance and operations to Congress on or before April 30 of every year.
Fine (Section 12):
- Failure to submit the annual report shall be penalized by a fine of 500 pesos per working day of noncompliance, remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury.
Equality Clause (Section 13):
- Any advantage granted under existing or future broadcasting franchises shall be accorded to the Grantee, except for provisions concerning territorial coverage, term, or type of service.
Repealability and Nonexclusivity Clause (Section 14):
- The franchise is subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by Congress when the public interest requires, and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant.
Separability Clause (Section 15):
- If any section or provision is held invalid, all other provisions not affected shall remain valid.
Repealing Clause (Section 16):
- All laws, decrees, orders, resolutions, instructions, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity (Section 17):
- The Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.