Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6580

Introduced by Representative Florida “Rida” P. Robes

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 24, Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution provides: “The State recognizes the
vital role of communications and information in nation-building.”

The proposed bill seeks to expand the legislative franchise granted to Muslim
Mindanao Radio and Television Network Corporation (MMRTNC) to the whole of Mindanao.

Since its grant of a legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 9370, MMRTNC has
continuously been providing timely, relevant and crucial news, programs and entertainment to
the people of Lanao del Sur.

Given the dawn of new innovations and advancements in technology and
communications, MMRTNC is gearing toward expanding its operations and reach in order to
connect to people, not just in Lanao del Sur but the whole of Mindanao.

The expansion of its franchise will greatly contribute to nation-building through the
dissemination of relevant, genuine and timely information in the national and local level to the
people of Mindanao. This will ultimately redound to the economic, social and cultural growth
of the people of Mindanao, including those in far-flung areas.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is respectfully urged.

FLORIDA “RIDA” P. ROBES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6580
House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Florida “Rida” P. Robes

AN ACT
AMENDING THE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO MUSLIM MINDANAO RADIO
AND TELEVISION NETWORK CORPORATION TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL,
ESTABLISH, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN RADIO AND TELEVISION
BROADCASTING STATIONS IN THE MINDANAO ARCHIPELAGO

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9370 or the law granting franchise to
Mindanao Radio and Television Network Corporation is hereby amended as follows:

SECTION 1. Nature and Scope of Franchise. - Subject to the provisions of
the Constitutions and applicable laws, rules and regulations, there is hereby
granted to Muslim Mindanao Radio and Television Network Corporation,
hereunder referred to as the grantee, a franchise to construct, install, establish,
operate and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio
and/or television broadcasting stations in THE MINDANAO
ARCHIPELAGO, where frequencies and/or channels are still available for
radio and/or television broadcasting, through microwave, satellite or whatever
means, including the use of any new technologies in television and radio
systems, with corresponding technological auxiliaries and facilities, special
broadcast and other program and distribution services and relay stations...

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. - If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is held
invalid, all other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.


SECTION 3. Repealing and Nonexclusivity Clause. - This franchise shall be subject to
amendment, alteration or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines when the public interest so
requires and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant of the privileges herein provided for.

SECTION 4. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication, upon the initiative of the grantee, in at least two newspapers of general circulation
in the Philippines.

Approved,