To save on subsidies while improving public service, why not revive a plan to integrate the government’s two television networks?
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson raised this Tuesday during the deliberations of the 2026 budget of the Presidential Communications Office, including state TV networks People’s Television Network (PTV) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC).
“During the time of then Sec. Sonny Coloma under the presidency of the late President Benigno Aquino III, there was a plan to integrate the (then) three government TV stations and convert the same into a public service broadcaster in the mold of the British Broadcasting Co. This is also budget-related (because) it could save the government from providing subsidy to the stations,” Lacson said. “I think it’s worth studying and considering.”
In Filipino: Lacson, Ibinuhay ang Panukalang Pagsamahin ang State TV Networks para Makatipid at Mapahusay ang Public Service
He said that while that plan appeared to be abandoned for now, the BBC model is worth emulating because it earns advertising revenue while maintaining its public service broadcasting.
Aside from this, he said proceeds from the sale of real estate and other assets of the other station may be used to improve the station the government wants to use.
“I think it was a novel idea that should be pursued,” he said.
Sen. Loren Legarda, the sponsor of the PCO’s budget, recalled that the proposal involved privatizing IBC, with the proceeds redounding to the benefit of PTV.
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Lacson, Ibinuhay ang Panukalang Pagsamahin ang State TV Networks para Makatipid at Mapahusay ang Public Service
Upang makatipid sa pondo at mapahusay ang serbisyong publiko, bakit hindi buhayin muli ang plano na pag-isahin ang dalawang television networks ng pamahalaan?
Isinulong ito ni Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson nitong Martes sa deliberasyon ng 2026 budget ng Presidential Communications Office, kabilang ang budget ng state TV networks na People’s Television Network (PTV) at Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC).
“During the time of then Sec. Sonny Coloma under the presidency of the late President Benigno Aquino III, there was a plan to integrate the (then) three government TV stations and convert the same into a public service broadcaster in the mold of the British Broadcasting Co. This is also budget-related (because) it could save the government from providing subsidy to the stations,” aniya. “I think it’s worth studying and considering.”
Dagdag ni Lacson, bagama’t tila hindi na natuloy ang naturang plano, maganda pa ring tularan ang modelo ng BBC na kumikita sa advertising habang nananatiling nakatuon sa public service broadcasting.
Bukod dito, maaari rin umanong gamitin ang kikitain mula sa pagbebenta ng real estate at iba pang assets ng isa sa mga istasyon upang mapaganda ang pangunahing istasyong nais gamitin ng gobyerno.
“I think it was a novel idea that should be pursued,” ani Lacson.
Ayon naman kay Sen. Loren Legarda, sponsor ng budget ng PCO, ang orihinal na panukala ay isailalim sa pribatisasyon ang IBC, at ang kikitain dito ay mapupunta sa kapakinabangan ng PTV.
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