The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), representing the country’s top telcos, has urged Malacañang to closely review the recently ratified Konektadong Pinoy Act before presidential approval, citing serious concerns over national security, regulatory imbalance, and long-term industry stability.
While supporting the law’s intent to boost nationwide internet connectivity, PCTO president Froilan Castelo warned that the measure—particularly in its final bicameral version—undermines regulatory safeguards by exempting new data transmission players from securing a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). “This creates a two-tier system. Existing players remain subject to full regulation, while new entrants operate with fewer checks. That’s a national security concern and a fairness issue,” Castelo said.
PCTO also criticized provisions that exempt satellite-based services from registration or oversight by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), calling it a contradiction of the law’s principle of technology neutrality.
The group further raised alarms over delayed cybersecurity compliance for new entrants and the lack of mandates to serve rural or underserved areas, warning these gaps could sideline Filipino communities most in need of connectivity.
Calling the bill “well-intentioned but under-vetted,” Castelo compared the current process to the passage of the POGO law, urging the administration to avoid repeating policy missteps.
PCTO appealed for stronger implementing rules and a more cautious approach to ensure the law truly promotes equitable digital inclusion, national security, and a level playing field in the telecom sector.
