The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has voiced strong concerns over provisions in the Konektadong Pinoy bill, warning that the measure could jeopardize national security and hinder consumer interests.
While the bill aims to improve internet access by easing the entry of new telecom players, PCTO argues that critical safeguards have been removed, allowing foreign-controlled entities to operate vital infrastructure without proper scrutiny. This includes international gateway facilities, cable landing stations, and satellite services, which could be controlled by shell companies posing national security threats. PCTO insists that the bill should retain the franchise requirement and empower the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to assess new players’ technical, financial, and cybersecurity capabilities.
The bill also omits essential cybersecurity requirements for new players, potentially leaving critical information infrastructure (CII) vulnerable to cyberattacks. PCTO stresses that cybersecurity readiness should be a precondition for operating in the country, not a grace period after launch.
Additional issues raised by the PCTO include unaddressed concerns about spectrum allocation, unfair competition due to unequal regulatory requirements, and the risk of undermining local businesses. The bill also contains provisions that could violate due process and increase vulnerability through its “dig once” policy for shared infrastructure.
PCTO called on lawmakers to revise the bill to ensure a secure, competitive, and fair telecommunications environment for all Filipinos.
