THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill granting politicians 50 percent discount on advertisements during the election period. House Bill 6604, which replaced HB 4898 and HB 5922, will amend Section 11 of Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Election Act. “During the campaign period, media outlets shall provide registered political parties and bona fide candidates a discount of 50 percent for political propaganda on television, radio and print,” the bill read. Under the measure, it will be illegal for print, radio and television outlets to charge higher rates from registered parties and bona fide candidates, compared to regular advertisers. Before, politicians are entitled to 30 percent discount for television advertisements, 20 percent for radio advertisements and 10 percent for print advertisements over the average rates charged during the first three quarters of the calendar year preceding the elections.

Source: Manila Times December 22, 2017 13:18 UTC