MANILA, Jan. 31 -- The measure renewing for another 25 years the franchise granted to state-owned media network Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) hurdled final reading approval at the House of Representatives.

During Tuesday's plenary session, the chamber unanimously approved with 272 votes House Bill (HB) 6505, which would allow IBC-13 to continue its commercial radio and television broadcasting operations in the Philippines.

IBC-13 has five provincial TV stations, with four relay stations, and 11 provincial radio stations.

Authors of the bill include House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Paranaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, KUSUG TAUSUG Party-list Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, A...