FOR MONDAY

An organization of independent telecommunications companies echoed an earlier warning of telco giants about the supposed national security risks posed by the Konektadong Pinoy bill, signaling the industry’s rising concern over the measure.

The Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO), which comprises telco companies serving far-flung provinces, said the bill is a “real concern” of the industry.

“This is not just a concern of the large telecommunications players that own the cable landing stations and international gateway facilities, but also small telecommunication companies like us,” said PAPTELCO President Normandy Baldovino Jr. in a statement.

“The country’s national security is everyone’s concern,” he added.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) questioned the bill for removing the legislative franchise requirement for new telco players entering the local market.

PCTO, whose members include telco giants Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc., said this will pave the way for foreign-controlled companies to control critical information infrastructure (CII), which is vital for national security.

Konektadong Pinoy, at its current state, does not immediately require telco firms to comply with national and global cybersecurity practices.

According to PCTO, the bill allows a grace period of one to three years after telcos start their operations before they are required to do so.

This was cited as a major loophole, given the high incidence of hacking and other cyber threats in the country.

“We can’t sacrifice the country’s national security. While the Konektadong Pinoy bill has good intentions, it may have adverse effects down the road similar to when the government legalized Philippine Offshore Gaming Corporations (POGO),” said Baldovino.

Before being outlawed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., POGOs had been linked to various criminal activities.

Baldovino said the bill’s shortcomings should be addressed directly rather than through its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The Konektadong Pinoy bill, certified as urgent by Marcos, seeks to enhance competition in the telco industry by easing the entry of new players.

The measure seeks to overhaul the country’s digital landscape by streamlining licensing processes for network providers, as well as granting regulatory authority to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

It is now slated for the bicameral conference committee, composed of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, once Congress resumes sessions in June.