By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on final reading a measure renewing for another 25 years the franchise of Aliw Broadcasting Corp.
Deputy Speaker and Nationalist People’s Coalition Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao of Isabela said House Bill (HB) 5391, which was approved by all the198 lawmakers present on Monday, will be transmitted to the Senate for its own deliberations.
Majority Leader and Liberal Party Rep. Neptali Gonzales II of Mandaluyong is the author of HB 5391.
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, Aliw Broadcasting chairman emeritus and founder, is also the owner of the BusinessMirror.
The Aliw Broadcasting owns and operates radio stations dwIZ khz in Manila; dwQJ 95.1 FM Naga; dwQA 92.3 FM in Legazpi; dyQC 106.7 FM in Cebu; dyQN 89.5 FM in Iloilo; dxQR FM in Cagayan de Oro; dxQM 98.7 FM in Davao; dxQS 98.3 FM in General Santos City; and dxQT 89.3 FM in Dagupan City.
According to Gonzales the renewal of the franchise of the Aliw Broadcasting should be approved because, “through the years, [it] dedicated and committed itself to efficient and effective public service by way of timely, accurate and useful dissemination of information to Filipino listeners.”
He added that the annual reports submitted by Aliw Broadcasting show its financial capability for continuous operations and possible expansion for another 25 years saying, “Since its original franchise is expiring in 2017, another legislative authorization to continue its public service and operation is indispensable.”