The Future of Philippine Free TV: PCC’s Blocktiming Study and the Road Ahead

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has released a groundbreaking study titled “Blocktiming Practices in the Philippine Free TV Industry,” examining the impact of blocktiming on market competition. This comes at a crucial moment for the country’s media landscape, where GMA Network dominates the free TV sector with a staggering 93% market share following the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise in 2020.

With the potential return of ABS-CBN to free TV and the rise of over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms, the industry is evolving rapidly. So, what does this mean for content creators, networks, and Filipino viewers?

What is Blocktiming, and Why Does It Matter?

Blocktiming is a broadcasting arrangement where independent content producers purchase airtime from TV networks to air their programs. This practice allows a variety of shows to be broadcast, even if the content producer does not own a network.

While this system creates opportunities for more content, the PCC study raises concerns about its effect on competition—especially in a market where one network holds the majority of viewership.

The Market Shift: GMA Network’s Dominance and Its Implications

With ABS-CBN removed from free TV, GMA Network now controls 93% of the market. This has led to discussions about input foreclosure—a situation where a dominant network can refuse to sell airtime to certain content producers or set prices so high that independent producers cannot afford to broadcast their shows.

In a healthy competitive market, networks should provide fair access to airtime, allowing various producers to reach Filipino audiences. However, the PCC’s study suggests that while foreclosure is a concern, economic factors prevent total market control.

Why Networks Are Unlikely to Fully Foreclose Airtime

According to the PCC’s analysis, completely shutting out independent content producers is unlikely because:

Networks prioritize their own content and already prefer airing their in-house programs over blocktime agreements.

Limiting airtime reduces audience reach, making the network less attractive to advertisers.

Advertising revenue could drop if the variety of content decreases, as advertisers prefer networks with a broad and engaged audience.

While the potential for market abuse exists, the PCC finds that current industry practices naturally discourage full foreclosure.

How OTT Platforms Are Changing the Game

Another major force reshaping the industry is the rapid growth of over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. These platforms give content producers alternative distribution channels, reducing their reliance on traditional TV networks.

For instance, many independent Filipino content creators are now thriving on digital platforms without needing a TV network to distribute their work. This challenges the dominance of free TV networks and provides audiences with more diverse programming choices.

A Potential Game-Changer: The Return of ABS-CBN?

A major development that could disrupt the free TV market is the possible return of ABS-CBN as a major player. Since 2022, five bills have been filed in Congress seeking to grant the network a new 25-year franchise.

In January 2025, Representative Joey Salceda filed House Bill 11252, the latest attempt to restore ABS-CBN’s free TV operations. The House Committee on Legislative Franchises is expected to deliberate on these proposals soon, which could significantly impact the competitive landscape.

If ABS-CBN regains its franchise, it could break GMA’s near-monopoly, providing audiences with more choices and creating a more balanced and competitive media industry.

What’s Next for Philippine Broadcasting?

With PCC’s findings on blocktiming, OTT platforms changing content distribution, and ABS-CBN’s possible return, the Philippine free TV industry is at a turning point.

The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of television in the country. Will competition remain fair and open, or will market concentration continue to limit content diversity? One thing is certain—viewers, content creators, and advertisers are watching closely.

Advancing the Philippine Business Landscape: Insights from the ARTA-World Bank Forum

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippines is at a pivotal juncture in its economic development. With a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to reform, the nation has made significant strides in enhancing its business environment. However, challenges persist, particularly in streamlining government processes and improving public service efficiency. To address these issues, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the World Bank Group (WBG) are convening a forum to delve into the findings of the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) Report and chart a course for future improvements.

Understanding the Business Ready (B-READY) Report

The B-READY Report is the World Bank’s latest global benchmarking initiative, assessing the business environment across ten critical areas of a business's lifecycle, including:

Business Location: Accessibility and ease of setting up operations.

Financial Services: Availability and accessibility of credit and financial tools.

Taxation: Transparency and simplicity of tax policies.

International Trade: Ease of cross-border business transactions.

Market Competition: Competitiveness of industries.

Business Insolvency: Policies for handling business closures and recoveries.

The report evaluates over 1,200 indicators to provide a comprehensive and data-driven perspective on how well economies support businesses. Its primary goals are to advocate for policy reforms, guide policy advice, and provide data for research, all contributing to the World Bank Group's objectives of poverty reduction and shared prosperity.

The Philippines' Standing in the B-READY Report

In the inaugural B-READY Report released in October 2024, the Philippines ranked 16th among the 50 economies assessed, placing it in the top 40%. This ranking reflects the country's strong regulatory framework and progress in fostering a more conducive business environment. The report highlighted significant advancements in areas such as labor conditions, digitalizing trade processes, and providing transparent utility services. However, it also identified areas needing improvement, including business entry, business location, market competition, and business insolvency. 

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to address these challenges. He urged government agencies to actively participate in the B-READY 2025 data collection questionnaire, stating, "Our President has mandated a more proactive approach to improving the ease of doing business; without everyone’s cooperation in answering the WBG’s B-READY questionnaire, we cannot truly identify how we can improve in the next few years." 

Aiming for the Top 20%

Building on these efforts, the Philippines has set an ambitious goal to rank within the top 20% of the countries evaluated in the B-READY report by 2026. Secretary Perez expressed confidence in achieving this target, citing ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at streamlining and digitalizing government services. He noted, "We’re pretty confident, because all of those reforms, initiatives are already laid down. They only need to be fully implemented with the support of the private sector and all agencies involved."

The Path Forward

The upcoming ARTA-World Bank Forum represents a significant step in the Philippines' journey toward a more business-friendly environment. By addressing the challenges identified in the B-READY report and leveraging the collective insights of stakeholders, the country is poised to enhance its economic landscape, fostering growth, investment, and innovation.

As the Philippines strives to climb higher in the B-READY rankings, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, the private sector, and international partners will be crucial in realizing this vision.

Legacy builders: What the DOST-SEI hopes the YES awardees will be

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Every year, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Insitute (DOST) recognizes outstanding young Filipino minds in the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awards. 

Conferred with YES medals, this recognition signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).  This also serves as their badge of honor as their generation’s emerging STEM leaders and advocates.  

For over seventeen years, SEI’s aspiration has been clear: to build generations of learners who will champion the pursuit of scientific excellence in the country. This is exactly what the YES medals stand for: a symbol of inspiration to achieve the Filipino youth’s great potential and dreams. 

DOST-SEI Director Jayeel S. Cornelio delivers an inspiring message to the YES medalists during the awarding ceremony at the 2024 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration in Northern Mindanao. 

In his speech, DOST-SEI Director Jayeel S. Cornelio expressed this same aspiration, “Through this event, we hope to build the next generation of scientists who are committed to the welfare of the nation... While you are winning medals around the world, remember to serve this nation to show the world that the Philippines can be great again.”  

Furthermore, he emphasized that more than intellectual excellence, the Filipino youth should put value in their virtue and moral excellence. For him, “Intelligence is useless if not used beyond one’s gain and self-recognition. Instead, intelligence is more meaningful if used to make a difference.” 

Expanding Community 

In 2024, a record-feat of 2,504 young Filipino geniuses from various regions in the country were conferred the YES medals. This marks an impressive 18.45% increase from 2023’s record of 2,115 awardees. This is the only the second time that there are more than 2,000 recipients since the recognition rights began in 2007.  

Given this number, for the first time, DOST-SEI hosted three successive awarding ceremonies to recognize and celebrate the Filipino youth’s great feat in the international STEM scene. The ceremonies were conducted in Tacloban (Region VIII), Benguet (Region II), and Cagayan de Oro (Region X) in June, August, and November 2024, respectively.  

YES Awardees from Eastern Visayas [top], Cordillera Administrative Region [center], and Northern Mindanao [bottom] pose for a photo as they receive their medals during the awarding ceremonies conducted in the cities of Tacloban, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro, respectively. 

Joining the celebration were the awardees’ parents and guardians, members of the science community. the academe, and the Institute’s valued partners from local STEM competitions. 

The annual celebration of the YES Awards forwards one vision: to call the Filipino youth to serve the nation through science and technology. It emphasizes public service that goes beyond mere recognition and moves people to action. More than this, the YES medals are the recipient’s lasting reminder of humility before excellence.