Think tank: Weaker NTC oversight leaves PH door open for 'hostile entities'

A Manila-based think tank has warned that national security may be undermined by "hostile entities" exploiting Philippine telecom networks should the regulatory oversight function of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) become weaker.

In a statement, Stratbase ADR Institute raised concern over Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which does not require data transmission industry participants to secure a legislative franchise.

"The Stratbase Institute is alarmed over the possibility that the Philippines' telecommunication networks could be exploited by hostile entities that pose significant risks to national security if the regulatory oversight function of the National Telecommunication Commission is weakened," the think tank said.

"This scenario becomes likelier as the passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, purported to be a bill that would open up the telecommunications market to more players to provide better options to the people, looms in the horizon," it added.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill aims to improve access to fast and affordable connectivity nationwide and encourages the sharing of infrastructure among telcos.

Stratbase ADR Institute warned, however, that the passage of the law and the "diluted" NTC functions would lead to a "free-for-all scenario"  wherein industry players "could take advantage of critical infrastructure" and access customer information.

Amid WPS tensions

In a separate statement, Stratbase ADR Institute urged the government to bolster the country's telecommunications security amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

It said the proposed legislation "could compromise the integrity of the Philippines' internet infrastructure amid escalating Indo-Pacific tensions even though it is packaged as a law that would improve internet connectivity."

"By bypassing the legislative franchise requirement, the bill in its current version would weaken the regulatory framework that ensures the safe and secure management of the country's telecommunications infrastructure," it said.

Stratbase ADR Institute said foregoing the requirement could allow foreign actors to launch cyberattacks against government institutions, private enterprises, and all internet users.

GMA News Online has reached out to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, author of Senate Bill 2699, regarding the statements of Stratbase ADR Institute.

'Landmark bill'

In a press release last August, Cayetano said the proposed measure was a "landmark bill" that would pave the way for reliable, affordable, accessible internet connection across the country.

"I really feel that this is an opportunity to comprehensively approach this and once magawa natin to, we will in a year, two, or three years see the difference of having reliable, affordable, accessible internet connection in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao," he added.

(I really feel that this is an opportunity to comprehensively approach this and once we do this, we will in a year, two, or three years see the difference of having reliable, affordable, accessible internet connection in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao.)

Consumer group Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) earlier said that before allowing new telco companies to bypass requirements, the government must ensure that consumers and businesses, as well as national security, are protected against cybercriminals and scammers.

Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority expressed support for the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, saying that it could reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos.

In 2022, a House version of the bill titled "Open Access Bill" was passed on third and final reading. — VDV/RF, GMA Integrated News