President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law the renewal of the broadcast franchise of the state-run Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13), extending its operations for another 25 years.
Under Republic Act No. 12311, which the President approved on October 3, 2025, IBC-13 is granted authority to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations across the country — wherever frequencies remain available and in accordance with the public interest.
The renewed franchise serves as an extension of RA 8954, which was originally granted in 2000, and shall remain valid for 25 years unless earlier revoked or cancelled. The new law will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
The measure also stipulates that IBC-13 must secure the necessary permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) before operating its stations or facilities. It is further barred from selling, leasing, transferring, or assigning the franchise — or merging with another entity — without prior congressional approval.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who sponsored the franchise renewal bill, earlier described the measure as “a renewed hope for the network’s growth and its continuing mission to deliver truthful information and government updates to the Filipino people.” He added that the renewed franchise opens doors for new employment and production opportunities within the state network.
The renewal follows last year’s milestone when 145 former IBC-13 employees finally received their retirement pay, more than two decades after leaving the company. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), then led by Secretary Cheloy Garafil, noted that it took 22 years and 28 management teams before the ₱500-million fund was finally released.