BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After being given authority to expand its services in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) has sought an extension of the NOW Cable Inc. franchise by 25 years.
Benitez has filed House Bill No. 7066 seeking to renew the franchise granted to NOW Cable Inc. in Sept. 5, 1996, that was under Republic Act No. 8213.
He said that the proposed law seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8213, further extending the franchise granted to NOW Cable, Inc., and expanding its nature and scope.
Considering the technological leaps since the passage of RA 8213, Benitez said that NOW Cable will take advantage of such technological advancements to continuously provide the public with more improved, state-of-the-art interactive television, and multimedia services.
These include, among others, next generation broadcast systems, and wireless/satellite communication networks,” Benitez said.
“NOW Cable has made appropriate use of its franchise, has complied with the provisions thereof, and remains committed to upholding the interest of the public and serving the Filipino people,” he added.*
