Closed caption

Closed caption is a method of subtitling television programs by coding statements as vertical data signal that are decoded at the receiver and superimposed at the bottom of the television screen. (Sec. 2(a), R.A. No. 10905)

Republic Act No. 10905, lapsed into law on July 21, 2016 without the signature of the President in accordance with Article VI, Section 27 (1) of the Constitution, required all franchise holders or operators of television stations and producers of television programs to provide closed captions option in the broadcast of their programs including newscast, news programs and pre-scripted programs (newscast). (Sec. 1)

The following are exempt from closed captioning:

(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. (Sec. 3)

Any franchise holder or operator of television stations and producer of television programs who fails to comply with the requirement under the law shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) 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 the act shall be liable therefor. In addition, the license or permit to operate its business shall be cancelled. (Sec. 4)