MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress’ help to create a new government-run channel that will be comparable to international channels like the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In the same breath, he said he wants to create the Philippines’ first Muslim and Lumad channels.

“To better manage public information, a law should be passed to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation replacing PTV4, a government-run TV station which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks,” said Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25.

Personnel of broadcasting networks like BBC will come to the Philippines to train those under PTV4 or what may become the PBC. In fact, earlier in July, Michelle Rowland of the BBC World Service dropped by Malacañang Palace to meet with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. 

Duterte said foreign news executives from BBC and ABC would train PTV4 personnel “to observe editorial independence through innovative programs, intelligent treatment, and analysis of news reports as well as developments of national and international significance.”

Radyo ng Bayan, a government-run radio station, will be integrated into PBC, said Duterte.

The PBC is also envisioned to have bureaus in the Visayas and Mindanao, aside from the one in Luzon.

“PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao,” said Duterte.

In his hometown, Davao City, will also rise the headquarters of the first Muslim channel 

“Davao City will also be the first site of the first Muslim channel Salaam TV and the first Lumad channel,” said the President. – Rappler.com