Senator Imee Marcos warned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that issuing its proposed draft circular could undermine the intent of the newly-enacted Konektadong Pinoy Act.

As principal author of the law, Marcos said the draft rules run counter to the statute’s central objective of expanding reliable and affordable connectivity nationwide.

Instead of removing barriers to entry and encouraging competition, she noted, the proposed regulations appear to revive restrictive practices that the law sought to dismantle.

The senator said high capital and bond requirements, especially for small and community-based providers, risk limiting competition and favoring large telecommunications firms. She also raised concern over clauses granting the NTC broad discretionary powers to disqualify applicants without clearly defined standards.

She also took issue with the rule prohibiting online filing and mandating paper submissions, calling it inconsistent with the government’s digitalization agenda and existing Supreme Court directives.

Marcos urged the NTC to align its regulations strictly with the law, ensure transparency in spectrum allocation, and adopt a regulatory framework that is fair and efficient.

“The law is clear,” she said.

“Connectivity should expand, competition should flourish, and regulation should serve the public,” she added.