Duterte signs extension of Iglesia ni Cristo’s telco franchise

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the bill extending the telecommunications franchise of Iglesia ni Cristo by another 25 years.

Duterte approved Republic Act 11219 on February 14, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

The franchise allows INC to construct, establish, install, maintain, lease, purchase, and operate and carry on a private telecommunications or electronic communications services throughout the Philippines and other countries and territories, including outer space as public interest may warrant, for domestic and international telecommunications.

According to the law, the franchise is deemed revoked in the event that it fails to operate continuously for two years.

Duterte also signed RA 11204 on February 14 which grants franchise extension for another 25 years to Ermita Electronics Incorporated, presently known as G. Telecoms.

The President on January 18 signed RA 11193 which grants a franchise to the Malindang Broadcasting Network Corp. The law allows the company to operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in Mindanao. —NB, GMA News