MANILA, Philippines — An advisory group warned that the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act or Senate Bill 2699 which seeks to reduce regulatory oversight of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) could lead to more abuses.
Research firm Stratbase said that while lawmakers had noble intentions in filing the measure, “the bill in its current form may expose us to more pitfalls and risks.”
SB 2699, if passed, will eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which diminishes the regulatory powers of the NTC.
Stratbase urged Congress to take a second look at the bill, as future entrants in the telecommunications space in the Philippines might abuse the country’s vulnerability.
“We implore our lawmakers to take a second look at how, in our pursuit of connectivity, we may be opening ourselves up to abuses from entities that have malicious intent and whose goals may be different from what the law claims it wants,” the group said.
“The law seeks to make it easier for investments in telecommunications to pour into the country, and part of this is to address the roadblocks that hinder the flow of investments. But in our zeal to encourage investments, it would be prudent to maintain the regulatory oversight of the NTC. Only it will keep telcos in line and will serve as the people’s recourse,” it added.
One of the main pushers of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who is rallying support from different government agencies and business organizations to fast-track the passage of SB2699.
The proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act is awaiting deliberations at the Senate.
