KBP Seeks Protection of Broadcasting in Konektadong Pinoy IRR

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) has called on the government to ensure that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12234, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, protect the broadcast industry and the public’s continued access to free radio and television services. 

In a position paper submitted to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), KBP urged that the IRR explicitly exclude broadcasting from the coverage of the Open Access law, which is designed to liberalize data transmission and remove the congressional franchise requirement for network operators.

KBP said that broadcasting operates under a distinct constitutional and statutory regime that guarantees Filipino ownership of mass media and requires a congressional franchise for the use of broadcast frequencies—public resources that are scarce and must be carefully allocated in the public interest.

While supporting the objectives of the Konektadong Pinoy program and the expansion of nationwide connectivity, KBP warned that some provisions of R.A. 12234 could be misinterpreted as applying to broadcasting.  KBP warned that without clear exclusions, provisions on the recall and review of spectrum frequencies could be misinterpreted to affect broadcasting, potentially disrupting the country’s most accessible source of news and public information.

“The public relies on broadcasting for news, information, and education, especially in times of disaster,” said KBP President Noel C. Galvez. “Its continued accessibility and integrity must be preserved. Any ambiguity in policies that affects broadcast frequencies could threaten both the industry’s stability and the people’s right to free and reliable service.”

The KBP proposed specific measures to ensure clear regulations in the Konektadong Pinoy IRR, including:

• Exclusion of broadcasting from the scope of the IRR;
• Protection of broadcast frequencies from recall or reallocation under data transmission rules; and
• Consultation with broadcasters on spectrum policies affecting both telecommunications and broadcasting.

KBP affirmed its readiness to work with DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in formulating policies that support both open-access data services and the protection of free broadcasting.

“Open access and free broadcasting should complement—not compete with—each other,” Galvez added. “We believe both are essential to a connected, informed, and resilient nation.”

The KBP represents national and regional radio and television networks and independent operators operating nationwide and serves as the self-regulatory body of the Philippine broadcast industry.