The Kapuso Network is trying to distance itself from the franchise renewal bid of its rival network television giant ABS-CBN.
GMA Network has denied the stories that they continued to operate even if their legislative was pending for approval. ABS-CBN has yet to get a franchise from Congress few months before their license expires on May 4.
Lawmakers have assured the Kapamilya network that they will not be off the air even if their franchise expires on the said date. In a statement released by GMA Network, the network said that their situation could not be compared to the Kapamilya network because they were able to get their license ahead of time.
“GMA Network, Inc. clarifies the case of its franchise renewal as it has been cited several times recently in light of the current situation of fellow broadcast network, ABS-CBN,” GMA said in a statement.
“Formerly known as Republic Broadcasting System, Inc., GMA Network obtained its original 25-year franchise through Republic Act No. 7252 or ‘An Act Granting the Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. a Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines. The said act was signed into law on March 20, 1992; became effective on May 12, 1992, – fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette on April 27, 1992; and as such, was valid until May 12, 2017,” the statement added.
GMA also pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed their franchise renewal bill prior to their franchise expiry date.
“On April 21, 2017 – 22 days prior to the expiry of the original franchise – President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10925 or “An Act Renewing For Another Twenty-Five (25) Years The Franchise Granted To Republic Broadcasting System, Inc., Presently Known As GMA Network, Inc., Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 7252, Entitled An Act Granting The Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. a Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines,” the statement added.
