Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of PLDT Inc., warned that certain provisions of the Konektadong Pinoy bill could be exploited to foster an unfair playing field in the local telecommunications sector.

Pangilinan issued the statement during PLDT’s 2025 annual stockholders’ meeting, which was preceded by the recent ratification of the measure in Congress, one step closer to its enactment.

Certified as urgent by the Marcos administration, the bill aims to enhance competition in the telco industry, improve the quality of internet services, and promote digital connectivity nationwide.

At its core, it aims to significantly expand the country’s digital landscape by streamlining licensing processes for network providers, thereby providing a more seamless entry for foreign telecom operators.

Pangilinan said he agreed with this aim of the bill, however, he noted that it should be done in a manner that is fair for existing telco companies who have heavily invested in the country.

“We are prepared to compete, but we’re not asking for special favors, and neither should special favors be given to external operators because we have invested a lot, all of us have invested a lot in this market,” said Pangilinan.

“So, what we're asking is a level playing field when it comes to competition. We don't ask for private protection. We don't ask for protective measures to postpone competition,” he added.

Marilyn Victorio-Aquino, PLDT senior vice president and corporate secretary, said if the government wants to strengthen competition in the industry, it should be fair and sustainable or else the subscribing public will be affected.

Under Konektadong Pinoy, Aquino said existing telcos remain obligated to continue building infrastructure to improve their services.

“There is no such obligation imposed on new entrants that are involved in data transmission,” she noted.

Aquino said foreign telcos looking to expand in the country will be able to tap the existing network infrastructure in the country, which was primarily built by companies such as PLDT.

She added that the industry wants to avoid providing free access to satellite operators to use existing frequencies and spectrum, without the same obligations imposed on local telcos.

Without an obligation to uphold public interest, foreign operators will not be covered by the government’s right to temporarily take over assets and operations of telco companies in times of national emergency.

“So while we applaud the effort to try and improve competition, it cannot be at all cost. National security and sovereignty of the country must be protected,” said Aquino.

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) previously questioned the Konektadong Pinoy bill for not requiring a legislative franchise requirement for international gateway facilities, cable landing stations, and satellite service providers.

The group said this will allow foreign-controlled companies to control critical information infrastructure essential for national security.

In the same manner, PCTO said the measure should require prospective telco firms to comply with national and global cybersecurity practices prior to starting operations.

Following the ratification of the bill in the Senate and the House of Representatives, it will now be sent to Malacañang for the president’s signature.