Duterte approves Cebu-based radio network’s 25-year franchise extension

Sarraga Integrated and Management (SIAM) Corp., the owner of Cebu-based Bantay Radyo network, has secured a 25-year extension of its legislative franchise to operate as a broadcasting company.

Republic Act No. 10974, which extends SIAM's franchise to "construct, operate and maintain for commercial purposes radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines and for other purposes," was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 6, copies of which were distributed to the media on Friday.

The 25-year franchise grants SIAM authority to "construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio and/or television broadcasting stations in the Philippines, including digital television system, through microwave, satellite, terrestrial or whatever means, as well as the use of any new technologies in television and radio systems, with the corresponding auxiliaries and facilities, special broadcast and other broadcast program and distribution services."

The franchise also allowed the company to install radio communication facilities for private use in its broadcast services. —Ted Cordero/KBK, GMA News