Most people consider watching TV as a valuable source of information and a popular form of entertainment. Whether you want to watch local or international news, telenovelas, cartoons, gameshows and whatnot, the television has so much to offer. However, some who suffer from hearing loss or hearing impairment will not be able to enjoy what they are watching. This is why the new law requiring TV stations to include subtitles will make it easier for the deaf community to understand what they are watching. Republic Act No. 10509 or "An act requiring all franchise holders or operators of television stations and producers of television programs to broadcast or present programs with closed captions options, and for other purposes".
The act will exempt the following:
(a) Public service announcements that are shorter than ten (10) minutes;
(b) Programs shown in the early morning hours from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.;
(c) Programs that are primarily textual in nature; and
(d) When compliance would be economically burdensome.
Section 4. Penalties.— Any franchise holder or operator of television stations and producer of television programs who shall violate the provisions of this Act shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (₱50.000.00) but not more than one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
In case the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, or any other juridical person, the president, manager, administrator, or person-in-charge of the management of the business who knowingly and willfully voted or assented or acted with bad faith and gross negligence to the unlawful act punishable under this Act shall be liable therefor. In addition, the license or permit to operate its business shall be cancelled.
Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations.— The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, in consultation with the National Telecommunications Commission and other concerned agencies and entities, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity date of this Act, including guidelines and applications of exemption, system of warnings, penalties and appeals, and monitoring and compliance.
