An advocacy group raised a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-like social and national security problems on a pending Senate bill that could pave the way to less government restrictions on new telecom players investing in the country.

CitizenWatch convenor Orlando Oxales said that Senate Bill 2600, or the   proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act, would open up security issues similar to what happened when the country opens its door to POGO.

“This concern is not unfounded, given our recent experience with the liberalization of online gaming, which led to various social, economic, and security issues," said Oxales.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill is aimed at improving the country’s internet reach and speed amid complaints on slow and expensive internet connection in the country.

Financial and trade institutions are rallying for the bill's passing, noting that loosening the country's restrictions on telecommunications players is key to advancing the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and coverage.

If passed, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill will eliminate the need for congressional franchise for telecommunication companies.

Oxales said the proposed bill diminishes the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and may lead to the exploitation of the country's spectrum allocation.

"While these are objectives that need urgent action, the bill, upon closer scrutiny, threatens to compromise national security, undermine the integrity of the country's radio frequency spectrum, which is a critical and finite natural resource," he said.

Oxales said opening up the country's telco space and, at the same time, reducing the regulatory powers of NTC is concerning.

“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,” he said. 

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 administration of President Marcos has been aggressively pushing for improved internet connectivity, including setting up more digital infrastructure to include geographically disadvantaged and isolated areas.

The move is part of Marcos’ vision of digital transformation in the delivery of government services across the country.