While the proponents of the Konektadong Pinoy bill have the good intentions to improve the internet connectivity in the country, an advisory and research group warned that it would open up to abuses as the bill is set to reduce the regulatory oversight of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The Stratbase said that if passed in its current form, the Senate Bill 699 may expose the Philippines to more pitfalls and risks as it would eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which diminishes the regulatory powers of the NTC.
Stratbase then urged Congress to take a second look at the bill, saying future telecom players in the telecommunications space in the Philippines might abuse the country's vulnerability due to the law for self-vested interests.
"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," Stratbase 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.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act is currently lodged at the Senate and awaits further deliberations and actions