4 broadcast firms get franchise extension

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has signed laws extending the franchises of four broadcast firms, including a company owned by religious leader Mike Velarde, by 25 years.

The measures extending the franchise of the Velarde-owned Delta Broadcasting System Inc. and three other firms were signed into law on April 17. 

Delta is the operator of AM radio station dwXI, which airs the programs of El Shaddai, a Catholic charismatic group founded by Velarde.

During the midterm polls, the group endorsed 14 senatorial candidates, eight of them allies of Duterte. ?Also extended are the franchises of Ultrasonic Broadcasting System Inc., which owns Energy FM; Peñafrancia Broadcasting Corp. and Filipinas Broadcasing Network.