Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) President and CEO Jose Policarpio Jr. claimed on Tuesday, November 10, that an unnamed finance official instructed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to strip the state-run television network of its 2027 funding to pave the way for its privatization.
Speaking in an interview on the Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC), Policarpio stated that the network was blindsided after discovering its proposed budget had been cut to zero despite meeting all submission deadlines.
“It turned out, an official, I don’t wish to name him, just told the DBM, ‘Huwag mo nang bigyan ng budget for privatization,’” Policarpio said.
The state broadcaster had initially requested a ₱680-million budget for 2027, which included ₱300 million earmarked for capital expenditures to support its expansion and transition to digital broadcasting.
“When we submitted, we thought everything was OK. When we went to the floor, we were just told zero budget kami,” he added.
While Policarpio withheld the identity of the official and the exact communication method used with the DBM, he cautioned against rushing the network’s privatization.
He emphasized that IBC-13 has ongoing contractual obligations, active employees, and digital transmission infrastructure that need continuous maintenance.
“Sabi ko, ‘How did that happen?’ We submitted everything. It turned out some sectors are pushing for privatization. But privatization is not like you driving an ordinary car. You have to think of so many things,” Policarpio stressed.
While not entirely opposed to privatization, Policarpio argued that the network’s market value must be improved prior to any sale to prevent jeopardizing state assets and employee livelihoods.
“Yung privatization, we are not against it… Sa akin lang, you have to improve the value of IBC-13 in order to sell it. It is not a thing like a car, you turn it off. No,” he concluded.