Just days away from its potential passage into law, the leading figure behind Converge ICT Solutions Inc. expressed support for the contentious Konektadong Pinoy bill, in contrast to the opposition voiced by other major players in the telco industry.

Despite his company being among the four leading telco operators who earlier wrote to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to oppose the bill, Converge Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Anthony Uy said he “personally supports” the measure.

“I believe the more players in the country, the better for the consumers,” said Uy during the media launch of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E).

“Even other countries, the US (United States) also, you don't even need a franchise to operate a telco,” he added.

Konektadong Pinoy bill, a priority bill of the Marcos Jr. administration, is seeking to improve internet connectivity, promote digital services nationwide, and enhance competition in the telecommunications industry.

The proposed legislation would streamline licensing processes for network providers, providing a more seamless entry for telco operators, whether domestic or foreign.

It shall also grant regulatory authority to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue the necessary licenses and permits to operate, removing the congressional franchise requirement for prospective telco players.

To ensure a successful implementation, Uy said the proposed law should be backed with strict implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which ensures that consumers are not affected.

“They need to make sure they have enough regulatory function and make sure all these operators comply with the regulation and rules of government,” he said.

The Converge top executive said among the regulations that he is looking for include capitalization requirements to guarantee that new telco operators are equipped to consistently provide service.

He also pointed to the importance of standardization and consumer protection measures, particularly through reinforced cybersecurity.

Uy said his company is willing to cooperate with the government in crafting the IRR, once the bill is enacted into law.

Konektadong Pinoy bill has been transmitted to Malacañang and is now awaiting the signature of the President for its enactment.

However, it may also lapse into law on Aug. 24 if not acted upon.

Uy’s Converge earlier joined PLDT Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., and DITO Telecommunity Corp. to urge Marcos to opt out of signing the measure.

Last week, Globe said the bill should be returned to Congress for further refinement, citing the need to address concerns related to supposed regulatory imbalance, uneven competition, and lack of transparency and oversight for new players.

PLDT took it one step further, with a commitment to take the government to court to challenge the bill’s constitutionality.

PLDT Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary Marilyn Victorio-Aquino even tagged the bill as being “discriminatory” to existing telco operators, as they will be required to open up their network assets for new players.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said he will leave it up to legal experts to determine if the bill has constitutional issues. However, he noted that both the House of Representatives and the Senate likely already ensured the bill’s compliance.

“This is not legislation against the telcos. This is more for the consumers,” he said.

Aguda said the bill has provisions centered on improving every Filipino’s access to reliable and affordable internet, as well as the right to prompt action on complaints.

Given conflicting opinions about the bill, the DICT chief said he is hoping that the telco industry will support the measure once it is enacted.

“Now, as Dennis has mentioned, we will work closely with the private sector, especially with the telecom industry,” said Aguda.

“I know the problem of our country—it’s an archipelago, 7,600+ islands. The cost to implement and cost of service is really high. That’s why we’re working on lowering the cost of service and the capital,” he added.

Uy said the bill’s proposal to open network assets of existing telco operators to new players, which has received the ire of PLDT, could help the industry cut costs.

For instance, he said telcos would be able to recoup their investments in cell towers much faster if these were also rented out to other companies.

Uy added that lower costs for operators would translate to lower costs for consumers.