Easing telco rules under Konektadong Pinoy bill sparks alarm, says group

As financial and trade institutions rally for the passage of Konektadong Pinoy bill, an advocacy group expressed alarm over security risks associated with the proposed measure.

"Upon closer scrutiny, the bill threatens to compromise national security, undermine the integrity of the country's radio frequency spectrum, which is a critical and finite natural resource," CitizenWatch co-convenor Orlando Oxales said. 

Senate Bill 2699, if passed, will eliminate the need for congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which diminishes the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and would lead to the exploitation of the country's spectrum allocation, CitizenWatch said.

Oxales said that the bill would open up security issues more than help the country improve its internet reach and speeds. 

He added opening up the country's telco space and, at the same time, reducing the regulatory powers of NTC is concerning, noting that rapidly allowing more telco players in the country would be difficult to monitor, as some might not have the country’s best interest business at heart.

Oxales also said that government efforts should be centered on improving internet connections by enhancing NTC's capabilities and ensuring that it has the tools to oversee the evolving telecommunications landscape.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) earlier expressed support for the Konektadong Pinoy bill. 

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the proposed measure “aims to reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos, especially those in unserved and underserved areas.”

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

The bill is now on the Senate plenary for deliberations.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL, GMA Integrated News