Mandatory TV, radio airtime for infomercials, public service sought

Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño wants to require all radio and television broadcasting companies to allocate at least five minutes a day to air public service announcements and infomercials on laws, social welfare, public safety, procedures, and other matters of national interest.

The neophyte lawmaker filed House Bill 6070 to increase awareness and inform the public of their rights, duties and responsibilities as citizens of the country.

"A disciplined citizenry presupposes an informed society. One cannot be expected to obey laws, rules or code of behavior without knowing and understanding what these laws, rules and code of behavior are,” he said.

“Clearly, the role of communication and information is vital in nationbuilding, " he added.

House Bill 6070 mandates all television and radio facilities to allocate at least five minutes airtime a day to enable the government to educate and increase the awareness of the people on the following matters: laws, road and traffic discipline, health, government processes, public safety, good values, welfare rights and benefits, and disaster preparedness programs.

The measure tasks the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to cause the production of the public service commercials designed to promote and inform the public on the latest laws, issues, announcements, warnings, plans, and programs of the government to be aired by all TV and radio networks.

The PIA Director General, in coordination with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the proposed Act.

"By allocating public service announcements and government infomercials, TV and radio networks are performing some form of public service for the Fililino people. It is time for the government and mass media to work together for the betterment of this country, " Mariño said.