Telecommunications giant Globe Telecom Inc. is taking a firm stance in opposing the Konektadong Pinoy Act, which recently lapsed into law, voicing its concerns against the law’s supposed “grave risks.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Ayala-led firm said it is concerned that the measure “was allowed” to lapse into law on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo noted that President Marcos’ decision to opt out of signing or vetoing the bill is indicative of his “neutral stance” on the matter.

Despite being tagged as an urgent measure of his administration, Marcos was evidently silent on whether he would sign the then-bill.

Uncertain of the President’s stance, the top executives of the country’s four leading telecommunications firms joined forces in what could be considered a once-in-a-blue-moon moment.

Globe, together with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., PLDT Inc., and DITO Telecommunity Corp. wrote a letter to Marcos to urge him to refrain from signing the bill and instead return it to Congress for further deliberation.

However, within 30 days of receiving the bill in his office, Marcos did not veto or sign it, paving the way for its enactment.

Castelo said Globe stands ready to work with the government on how it can “better the standards in the industry to safeguard the public.”

Nonetheless, the company argued that while the measure aspires to broaden digital access, its current form could pose risks that would weaken cybersecurity, undermine national safeguards, and unsettle the industry.

Globe said the Konektadong Pinoy Act leaves gaps in the vetting of new entrants, which could threaten the government’s critical infrastructure.

“Equally concerning is the two-year grace period for cybersecurity certification, which creates a prolonged window for exploitation,” the statement read.

“This is at odds with the spirit of several existing laws including the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Data Privacy Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Anti-OSAEC/CSAEM Law, all of which require immediate and effective protection of citizens and state systems,” it added.

Konektadong Pinoy Act seeks to boost nationwide connectivity by making it easier for internet service providers to operate by encouraging infrastructure sharing and simplifying the licensing process.

Under the law, new telco players are no longer required to secure a legislative franchise or a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate in the country.

Globe said this would essentially remove government oversight on the industry, which could undermine regulatory integrity.

“Existing operators that have built networks under strict requirements should not be exposed to unfair competition from newcomers exempt from these same obligations,” the company noted.

This could likewise erode investor confidence due to these uncertainties, it said.

Globe added that the law risks putting the Philippines in breach of international treaty obligations, particularly due to the supposed unregulated use of spectrum by prospective satellite operators, which could lead to “harmful” interference.

“Such interference could compromise communications at precisely the moments, during crises and emergencies, when they are needed the most,” it said.

The telco said it is committed to engage with the government to ensure that the law advances its intended purpose without compromising security, stability, or consumer welfare.

“Connectivity is indeed a national imperative. To achieve it responsibly, the law must be fortified and not left to create vulnerabilities,” it added.

On the other hand, business and industry groups laud the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, citing its importance to drive the country’s digital transformation.

In a joint statement, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), EU-ASEAN Business Council (EUABC), US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), expressed their support for the measure.

“We see this as a landmark achievement that will significantly improve internet access, boost the Philippines' economic competitiveness,” the groups said.

“We also believe the law’s success will be dependent on the development of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that protect the free and seamless flow of data across borders,” they noted.

The groups said a robust IRR would ensure that businesses are able to innovate and scale globally, allowing the country to country to harness its full potential under the digital economy.

“We remain committed to supporting the Philippines' digital transformation and look forward to the full and immediate implementation of this law,” they said.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda on Sunday said the agency will swiftly convene stakeholders to draft the law’s IRR, which must be finalized within 90 days.