SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF TJIE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JUL 16 P!) :59 
SENATE 
817 
S.No. ____ _ 
. WV:-r 
----------------------------------------------------------
Introduced by Senator Antonio "SONNY" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
The Constitution recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building, Public 
information inevitably creates awareness of significant issues and can also be a mechanism for the 
transparency of policies and programs of the government if used effectively. Being a critical part of 
democracy, it can only be efficiently channelled through a truly independent media. 
In our country, media has been undeniably dominated by commercial or privately-owned companies that 
depend on advertising to be able to sustain itself Consequently, the growth and the independence of our 
journalists are encumbered by practices and schemes that are primarily dictated by the economic 
interests of their proprietors or advertisers. The existing public broadcast system, on the other hand, does 
not enjoy the trust of the people as it is perceived as a propaganda vehicle of the incumbent 
administrations and hence, is deemed inutile in the etIective delivery of broadcasting as a public good. 
Thus, important concepts of transparency and accountability are unquestionably compromised by the 
situation. 
Rec@gnizing the need to assert the idea of highest journalistic standards and the preservation of press 
freedom, this bill aims to establish a public service broadcasting system which shall function wholly 
independently of the governmental and commercial influences and free from political or other bias or 
interference. Through this measure, the PSBS shall be independent in all matters concerning the content 
of its output, the times and manner in which this is supplied, and in the management of its affairs. 
Moreover, this bill grants fiscal autonomy to the PSBS such that appropriations for the PSBS may not be 
reduced by the Legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and after approval shall 
be automatically and regularly released. Further, this bill creates a Board of Directors whose 
membership is not appointed by the President. With the aforementioned provisions, this measure seeks 
to create a healthy distance between the media and the potential meddling ann of the State and 
commercial private interests. Of twin importance is the measure's provision of general program 
standards. Broadcasters must ensure that due impartiality and truthfulness are observed in news and 
other issues of public importance. 
This bill, in essence, seeks to promote high quality public service broadcasting, the free flow of 
information in the public interest, and the responsible exercise of journalism through a broadcast 
channel that will fill the gap in the ratings-driven, commercially-dominated Philippine broadcast media 
and propaganda-driven state broadcasting system. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
"SONNY" 
ILLANES IV 
Senatol' 
1 
" 


Srmitt 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
It:}HII \- (If "il!" 
n"$'t!U~ 
REPUBLIC OF THE PllILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JUL 16 P4 :59 
1 
2 
SENATE 
S. No. _-,8-,1::...;7,--
lntrodnced by Senator Antonio "SONNY" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISllING AN INDEPENDENT BROADCAST SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of RepresentatIves of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
TITLE I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS 
3 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Public Service Broadcast System 
4 
Act of 2013." 
5 
6 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - In consonance with the Constitutional recognition of 
7 
the vital role of communication and intormation in nation-building, and the important aspect 
8 
played by the broadcasting industry, it is hereby declared as the policy of the State to: 
9 
a) promote the provision of high-quality broadcast programming to the public at large; 
10 
b) promote and guarantee the independence of the public service broadcaster from political or 
11 
commercial interference within a framework of accountability to the public; 
12 
c) tully develop communication structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation and 
13 
in accordance with a policy that respects the freedom of speech and of the press; 
14 
d) harness the resources of the government and the private sector towards a close, continuous and 
15 
balanced cooperation in order to take advantage of technological advances in the broadcasting 
16 
industry; 
17 
e) maintain a broadcast industry system that serves as a vital link for participative democracy and 
18 
effective government information dissemination through developmental communication, free 
19 
from any political or partisan influence and held accountable directly to the people; 
20 
f) encourage the development and broadcast of balanced programs which feature public affairs; 
1 


SEC 3. Definition of Terms. - In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires: 
2 
a) The tenn "advertisement" refers to any public announcement intended to promote the sale, 
3 
purchase or rental of a product or service, to advance a cause or idea or to bring about some 
4 
other effect desired by the advertiser, for which broadcasting time has been given up to the 
5 
advertiser for remuneration or similar consideration; 
6 
b) The tenn "facilities and equipment" refers to apparatus necessary for production, 
7 
interconnection, captioning, broadcast, or other distribution of programming, including, but 
8 
not limited to, studio equipment, cameras, microphones, audio and video storage or 
9 
reproduction equipment, or both, signal processors and switchers, towers, antennas, 
10 
transmitters, translators, microwave equipment, industrial utility vehicle and appropriate 
11 
mobile equipment, satellite communications equipment, instructional television fixed service 
12 
equipment, subsidiary communications authorization transmitting and receiving equipment, 
13 
cable television equipment, video 
and audio cassettes and discs, optical fiber 
14 
communications equipment, and other means oftransmitting, emitting, storing, and receiving 
15 
images and sounds, or intelligence, Provided, That such term does not include the buildings 
16 
to house such apparatus (other than small equipment shelters which are part of satellite earth 
17 
stations, translators, microwave interconnection facilities, and similar facilities). 
18 
19 
TITLE II. -
CREATION AND DOMICILE 
20 
SEC. 4. Creation. - There shall be created a body corporate to be called the Public 
21 
Service Broadcast System hereinafter referred to as the "PSBS," which shall engage in television 
22 
broadcasting in the Philippines. The PSBS shall have the independence of a Constitutional 
23 
Commission under a Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board), Provided, That no 
24 
member of the Board shall be appointed by the President ofthe Philippines. 
25 
The PSBS shall run news and public affairs coverage, and commentaries for twenty-four 
26 
hours, seven days a week, for television and radio broadcasting. Further, It shall provide equal 
27 
coverage of both local and national events. Furthermore, foreign events shall also be covered by 
28 
the PSBS. 
29 
2 


SEC. 5. 
Domicile. - The PSBS shall have its principal office and domicile in the 
2 
Metropolitan Manila area. It may also establish offices, branches and/or stations in any part of 
3 
the Philippines as its Board may see fit. 
4 
TITLE III. -
FRANCHISE AND LICENSE TO OPERATE 
5 
SEC. 6. Franchise Grant. - Subject to the provision of the Constitution, laws, orders, 
6 
decrees not inconsistent herewith, the PSBS is hereby granted a franchise to construct, maintain 
7 
and operate television broadcasting stations and satellite receiving and transmitting facilities in 
8 
the Philippines for a period co-terminus with the corporate existence ofthe PSBS. 
9 
SEC. 7. License to Operate. - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) 
10 
shall forthwith cause the issuance to the PSBS of the corresponding license to operate upon 
11 
compliance with all its requirements. 
12 
TITLE IV. -
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS 
13 
SEC. 8. Powers of the PSBS. - The PSBS shall have the following powers: 
14 
a) to establish, install, use, and maintain national, regional, provincial and community-stations 
IS 
for television and radio broadcasting throughout and any part ofthe country; 
16 
b) to provide, equip, and maintain studios and other premises for television and radio production 
17 
and broadcasting purposes; 
18 
c) to accept advertising materials for television and radio broadcasting upon payment of such 
19 
charges as may be determined from time to time by the PSBS, and to determine the conditions 
20 
subject to which the said advertisements may be accepted for transmission; 
21 
d) 
to adopt and use a PSBS seal; 
22 
e) 
to adopt by-laws, not contrary to law, morals, or public policy, and to amend or repeal the 
23 
same in accordance with the provisions of existing laws; 
24 
f) 
to purchase, receive, take or grant, hold, convey, sell, lease, pledge, mortgage and otherwise 
25 
deal with such real and personal property; 
26 
g) 
to establish, purchase, install, construct, use and maintain national, regional, provincial and 
27 
community stations and facilities for television broadcasting throughout and in any part of the 
3 


country; 
2 
h) 
to enter into joint ventures or partnerships with other broadcasting authorities and stations or 
3 
international agencies or private organizations for the purpose of promoting its broadcasting 
4 
services; 
5 
i) to exercise such other powers as may be necessary to carry-out the purpose for which the 
6 
PSBS was established or which from time to time may be declared by the Board of Directors to 
7 
be necessary, useful, incidental or auxiliary to accomplish such purposes. 
8 
9 
SEC. 9. Independence of the PSBS. - The PSBS shall be independent in all matters 
10 
. concerning the content of its output, the times and manner in which this is supplied, and in the 
II 
operational management of its affairs, such that the Oversight Committee provided for in Section 
12 
26 ofthis Act may not question the PSBS on matters relating to the aforementioned. 
!3 
SEC. 10. Functions of the PSBS, - The PSBS shall have the following functions: 
14 
a. to serve the public interest; 
IS 
b. to serve primarily as a vehicle for communicating the news and public affairs to the public; 
16 
c. to provide subsidized airtime to legitimate people's organizations and NGOs in the promotion 
17 
of their programs and projects; 
18 
19 
TITLE V. -
CORPORATE STRUCTURE 
20 
SEC. 11. 
The Board of Directors. - The PSBS shall be governed by the PSBS Board 
21 
of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board. 
22 
The Board shall be composed of fifteen (15) members. The members of the Board shall 
23 
be elected from the following organizations: 
24 
a. Seven (7) directors, representing each of the seven (7) biggest national broadcast 
25 
media organizations in the country, in terms of membership; Provided. That the three 
26 
(3) directors, shall represent each of the three (3) biggest regional broadcast media 
27 
organizations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively, in terms of 
28 
membership; 
4 


I 
b. Two (2) directors representing each of the two (2) biggest investigative media 
2 
organizations in the country, in terms of membership; 
3 
c. Five (5) directors representing each the five (5) biggest national newsprint media 
4 
organizations in the country, in terms of membership; 
5 
d. The Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication will 
6 
serve as a director, representing the academe. 
7 
The initial members of the Board shall have a two (2) - year term. Subsequent 
8 
directors shall serve a term of four (4) years, Provided That they shall be eligible for re-
9 
election for another term of four (4) years. Replacement for any vacancy in the Board shall 
10 
be for the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor. Except fur the Dean of the UP 
I I 
College of Mass Communications, the Directors of the Board for the subsequent terms shall 
12 
be duly elected by members of their respective organizations. The Directors shall elect 
13 
among themselves one who will serve as Chairman ofthe Board. 
14 
The Board shall meet at least twice a month to discuss matters of policy in order to 
15 
effectively carry out the provision ofthis Act. 
16 
The Chairman of the Board shall have a salary grade equivalent to a Cabinet Secretary. 
17 
The other members 0 f the Board shall carry a salary grade equivalent to a Cabinet 
18 
Undersecretary. 
19 
SEC. 12. 
Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - The members of the Board 
20 
shall be of proven and unquestionable probity, integrity, honesty, impartiality, reputation, and 
21 
knowledgeable of the broadcast industry. They shall not be holding key positions with other 
22 
broadcasting corporation or hold any position that may conflict with their functions and duties as 
23 
Directors ofthe PSBS. 
24 
If a member shall be appointed or employed as employee or consultant to another 
25 
government office, political party, or shall run for any elective position, he shall be deemed to 
26 
have vacated membership in the Board on the day of his appointment or filing of his candidacy, 
27 
as the case may be. 
5 


SEC. 13. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the fonowing 
2 
powers and functions: 
3 
a) The Board shaIl elect the Officers of the PSBS, hereinafter referred to as the Officers, 
4 
I 
Provided, That the officers shall be chosen from among the duly accredited broadcast 
5 
organizations in the country. 
6 
b) The Board has overall responsibility for the determination ofintemal policy, for ensuring 
7 
compliance with all policies set out in this Act, for ensuring that PSBS meets the highest 
8 
standards of decency, integrity and value for money, for appointment of senior staff, 
9 
including the members of the Board, and for setting the overall strategy ofPSBS. 
10 
c) The Board shall have the power to fix the other allowances and fringe benefits of its 
II 
officers and employees, subject to the provisions of pertinent compensation laws and 
12 
regulations. 
13 
d) The Board shall not interfere with the day-to-day management of the PSBS or with the 
14 
editorial independence of the staff, although it does have responsibility for ensuring the 
15 
overall editorial policy respects of the PSBS. 
16 
All members of the Board shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their 
17 
functions and shall, at all times, seek to promote the policies as declared in Section 2 ofthis Act. 
18 
Board members shall act at all times in the overall public interest and shall not use their 
19 
appointment to advance their personal interests, or the personal interests of any other party or 
20 
entity, 
21 
22 
SEC. 14. 
The Officers of the PSBS. - The Officers of the PSBS, hereinafter referred to 
23 
as the Officers, shaIl be elected by the Board, of which the latter shall not be members of. The 
24 
initial Officers shall have a three (3) - year term. Subsequent Officers shall serve a term of four 
25 
(4) years, Provided That they shall be eligible for re-election for another term of four (4) years. 
26 
The elected President shaIl carry the salary grade equivalent to a Cabinet Undersecretary. The 
27 
other officers shall carry the salary grade equivalent to an Assistant Secretary. 
28 
Other broadcast media organizations not represented in the Board shall be given an 
29 
opportunity to make representations. All nominations and the corresponding positions to be filled 
6 


in shall be submitted to the Board for review and selection before the deadline set by the Board. 
2 
Each member of the Board is entitled to one (1) vote. 
3 
4 
SEC. 15. Positions. - The following positions shall be created and filled up for the 
5 
proper and effective functioning 0 f the Office: 
6 
a. One (I) President 
7 
b. One (I) Vice President for Finance 
8 
c. One (I) Vice President for Marketing 
9 
d. One (I) Vice President for Htunan Resource Development 
10 
e. One (I) Vice President for Operations 
f 
One (I) Vice President for Legal Affairs 
g. One (I) Vice President for News and Current Affairs 
II 
12 
13 
14 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions o/the Officers o/the PSBS. -
Subject to the control 
15 \ and supervision ofthe Board, the Officers shaH have the following powers and functions: 
16 
a) 
submit policy recommendations and propose measures necessary to carry out the 
17 
18 
objectives and functions of the PSBS for the consideration of the Board; and propose 
guidelines that liberate rather than restrict program makers; 
19 
b) 
recommend to the Board for approval an organizational structure and plantilla for 
20 
personnel of the PSBS, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations; 
21 
c) 
execute, administer and implement policies and measures approved by the Board; 
22 
d) 
submit to the Board an annual budget and such supplemental budgets as may be 
23 
necessary for its consideration and approval; 
24 
e) 
represent the PSBS, its dealings with other persons, entities, agencies and institutions, 
25 
whether public or private, domestic or foreign, subject to the limitations and conditions 
26 
herein provided; 
27 
f) 
appoint, subject to the confirmation by the Board, discipline or remove for cause, officer 
28 
29 
and personnel. of the PSBS in accordance with the Civil Service Law, Rules and 
Regulations; and 
7 


, . 
g) 
perform such other functions and duties which may be assigned to them by the Board. 
2 
3 
TITLE VI. -
PROGRAM STANDARDS 
4 
SEC. 17. 
Gelleral Program Stalldards. - Broadcasters must ensure that due 
5 
impartiality and truthfulness are observed in news and public affairs issues of public importance. 
6 
Due impartiality requires programs producers to deal even-handedly when opposing points of 
7 
view are presented in a program. On matters of public importance, balance should be sought 
8 
through the presentation, as far as possible, of principal viewpoints. Programs should not be 
9 
slanted by the exclusion of facts or by misleading emphasis. Every reasonable effort must be 
10 
made to ensure that the factual content of programs is accurate. 
11 
SEC. 18. 
Use of Blocktimers. - The use ofblocktimers shall be allowed but limited to 
12 
education and sports programs only. The PSBS shall assume solidary liability with each of the 
13 
individual producers, for the content of all programs shown by blocktimers. 
14 
TITLE VII. -
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 
15 
SEC. 19. 
Illitial Appropriatioll. - The authorized initial funding of the PSBS shall be 
16 
One Billion, Five Hundred Million Pesos (PI,500,OOO,000.00) for facilities and equipment 
17 
modernization, which shall be released from funds of the National Treasury upon the effectivity 
18 
of this Act; Provided, That the sum of Two Hundred Million Pesos (P200,000,000.00) in 
19 
addition to the current fiscal appropriation for the National Broadcasting Network (NBN-4), 
20 
absorbed by the PSBS, shall be allocated from the National Budget of the year following the 
21 
approval of this Act. 
22 
23 
24 
SEC. 20. 
Revellue Gelleratioll. - The PSBS shaH be allowed to generate funds from 
25 
I advertising and air time sales in accordance with the policies and rates set by the Board of 
26 
Directors. 
27 
The National Government shall have fifty percent (50%) share from all fees and revenues 
28' collected or received by the PSBS. Forty-five percent (45%) shall be retained by the PSBS and 
8 


· . 
utilized solely for facilities and equipment modernization. The remaining five percent (5%) shall 
2 
be earmarked for additional expenditure to the PSBS employees' benefits. 
3 
Further, the PSBS may sell the content of its news and current affairs programs to foreign 
4 
stations. 
5 
6 
SEC. 21. Fiscal Autollomy. - The PSBS shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for 
7 
the PSBS may not be reduced by the Legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous 
8 
year, and after approval shall be automatically and regularly released. 
9 
Further, there shall be a ten percent (10%) automatic increase in the budget of the PSBS 
10 
every five years, Provided, That there was no increase in its annual budget for five (5) 
11 
consecutive fiscal years. 
12 
The salary of the Board and Officers of the PSBS shall be fixed by law. During their 
13 
. continuance in office, their salary shall not be decreased. 
14 
IS 
TITLE VIII. -
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 
16 
SEC. 22. 
Record of Trallsactiolls. - The PSBS shall keep proper accounts and records 
17 
of all its transactions and affairs, and shall do all things necessary to ensure that all payments 
18 
made out of its moneys are correctly made and properly authorized, and that adequate control is 
19 
maintained over the assets of, or in the custody of, the PSBS and the expenditures incurred by 
20 
the PSBS. The PSBS shall be subject to audit by the Commission on Audit. 
21 
TITLE IX. -
EMPLOYEES OF THE PSBS 
22 
SEC. 23. 
Civil Service Law Coverage for Employees. - The hiring, appointment, 
23 
employment, promotion, disciplinary control, and other terms and conditions of the service of all 
24 
employees of the PSBS, and such other matter affecting its employees shall be consistent with 
25 
the provisions of the Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations. 
26 
9 


.. 
' . 
. . 
SEC. 24. 
Salary Scale for Officials and Employees. - The rates of compensation and 
2 
classes of positions in the PSBS shall be covered by the Salary Standardization Law. 
3 
4 
SEC. 25. 
GSIS Coverage for Employees. - All employees hired by the PSBS shall be 
5 
deemed members of the Governments Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the purpose of 
6 
employee benefits. 
7 
TITLE X. -
OVERSIGHT 
8 
SEC. 26. Oversight'Committee. - The House of Representatives and Senate chairmen of 
9 
the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media shall have authority to hold public 
10 
hearings on matters relating to financial management of the PSBS. The PSBS must at all 
11 
reasonable times upon demand, allow the Committee to examine any of its accounts and furnish 
12 
the Committee with all forecasts, estimates, reconciliations, information and documents, which 
. 13 
the Committee may require, in such format as the Committee may require, with financial 
14 
transactions and engagements ofthe PSBS. 
15 
16 
TITLE Xl. -
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
17 
SEC. 27. Transition Clause. - All the powers, functions, assets and liabilities, capital, 
18 
accounts, contracts, and facilities pertaining to tlie National Broadcasting Network (NBN-4), and 
19 
all equipment relating to television broadcasting owned by the government shall be transferred to 
20 
the PSBS. 
21 
22 
SEC. 28. 
Transitory Provision. - The Officers shall recommend to the Board of 
23 
Directors a corporate plan that includes programming direction, budget, organizational plan and 
24 
structure, a staffmg pattern and compensation plan within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of 
25 
this Act. Said corporate structure shall be implemented by the Officers within thirty (30) days 
26 
after its approval by the Board of Directors: Provided. that The current career employees ofthe 
27 
~ational Broadcasting Network (NBN-4) shall be absorbed and accommodated by the PSBS. 
10 


I 
SEC. 29. 
Amendments. - The provisions of this Act shall be subject to amendments, 
2 
alteration or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines, when public interest so requires. 
3 
4 
SEC. 30. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid 
5 
or unconstitutional, the remainder shall not be affected thereby and shall continue to be in full 
6 
force and effect. 
7 
8 
SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act 7306, and all other laws, presidential 
9 
decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or proclamations and other issuances, contrary or 
10 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
11 
12 
SEC. 32. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
13 
pUblication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
11