The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is making bold steps to transition the Philippines to digital television by gradually phasing out analog broadcast in Mega Manila.
In a memorandum circular, the NTC has set a 12-month timeline for all analog TV stations in Mega Manila to switch to digital terrestrial TV broadcast (DTTB).
That means that areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Bataan will no longer receive analog TV broadcasts by next year.
The shutdown order was effective on November 21, 2025, and will end at exactly 12 months, which is November 21, 2026.
This decision came after a survey estimated that around 80 percent of TV broadcasts are already on digital TV anyway.
Apart from a better TV experience, NTC said that continuing with analog only adds to operating expenses for TV networks. Switching to DTTV also ensures the competitiveness of the local TV industry.
The government aims to develop assistance programs to help remaining analog households switch to digital TV.