It’s been a while, but Malacañang remains tight-lipped on the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill that aims to provide free Wi-Fi access, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), by liberalizing the telecommunications sector and expanding data connectivity.

Yes, Virginia, no word has come out on where the bill stands, which could be understandable, given the plethora of business and political issues currently emerging and developing.

The silence has continued since the Bicameral Committee approved the bill, despite reservations from existing players. The bill opens up the vital telecoms sector by streamlining the licensing process, promoting infrastructure sharing, and allowing new and smaller players to invest in data transmission infrastructure.

Nosey as I’ve always been, I learned that the heads of the four major telecom companies have requested Malacañang, through Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, to “return the Konektadong Pinoy Bill to Congress for further deliberation.”

The letter, dated July 18, was signed by Manuel V. “MVP” Pangilinan, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc.; Carl Raymond R. Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom Inc.; Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge ICT Solutions Inc.; and Ernesto Maria R. Alberto, President and CEO of DITO Telecommunity Corporation. I was able to obtain a copy of the letter.

Nope, MVP and his colleagues (with all due respect, allow me to call them the fantastic four leaders) are not against the liberalization of the industry. What these four industry leaders desire is inclusive consultation. “We respectfully urge Your Excellency to withhold your signature on the Konektadong Pinoy Bill and direct Congress to redraft it following further deliberation and stakeholder engagement.”

These fantastic four leaders stressed that they are not against progress, saying that they “fully support reforms that promote innovation, competition, and universal connectivity.”

However, they pointed out that “laws must be clear, fair, and aligned with the Constitution—and they must be developed in meaningful consultation with all stakeholders.”

In their own words: “We write to express our full support for your administration’s goal of achieving universal digital access for all Filipinos. We are one with your vision of a digitally inclusive Philippines.”

And again, no! It is not that the telecom players want the bill to be archieved like the impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte that has polarized us—the people.

They are requesting that the President return the Konektadong Pinoy Bill to Congress for further deliberation. “While its intent is commendable, several of its provisions present serious risks to consumers, to national security, to long-term infrastructure development, and to the integrity of our legal and regulatory framework.”

Interestingly, they lamented that the bill was passed by the bicameral conference committee without them being consulted. “It is unfortunate that none of us were invited to give our comments on the bill while it was undergoing the legislative process.”

And more importantly, such reforms must be done right.

The four fantastic leaders have committed and are “ready to work with your administration, the DICT, and Congress to help craft a version of the bill that truly balances digital inclusion with national resiliency, legal certainty, and industry sustainability.”

We’ll continue to monitor how the Konektadong Pinoy bill pans out.