Mass Media

Section 11 (1), Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution states:

The ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the
Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and
managed by such citizens.

The Congress shall regulate or prohibit monopolies in commercial mass media

when the public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or
unfair competition therein shall be allowed.

 100% Filipino ownership control is required for mass media companies. 100%
Filipino control means 0% foreign control.
 What is control? Any influence over corporate policy, and not limited to
ownership of stock.
 Foreign Investments Act (RA No. 7042) – under the Foreign Investment
Negative List (FINL), no foreign equity in mass media, except recording and
internet business.

International treaty

 Section 21, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states: No treaty or

international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at
least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.
 Pangilinan, et. al v. Cayetano (GR No. 238875, March 16, 2021): The Senate
concurrence under the 1987 Constitution does not only limit to treaties alone
as it may also cover other international agreements, including those
classified as executive agreements, if:
o They are more permanent in nature;
o Their purposes go beyond the executive function of carrying our
national policies and traditions; and
o They amend existing treaties and statutes.