Leading telecommunication companies are calling on the government to halt the introduction of new policies that could disrupt the industry while the country remains under a state of national energy emergency.

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) said in a statement that it is essential for the industry to remain operational, financially viable, and fully capable of keeping telco infrastructure functional at a time of global crisis.

“Considering the foregoing, the PCTO respectfully appeals that, for the duration of the ongoing national emergency, the government refrain from unduly rushing the release of any circular, directive, or policy that would materially affect the telecommunications industry,” it said.

PCTO, whose members include telco giants PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc., said the industry is in need of stability right now, “as connectivity has proven indispensable in times of national crisis.”

The group warned that the sector faces significant impacts from increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce constraints, and heightened demand as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

“The PCTO respectfully requests that regulators give due consideration to these compounding pressures when crafting and enforcing policy timelines, compliance requirements, and related obligations under the law,” it said.

As such, the PCTO is urging the government to extend and space out policy consultations related to issues in the implementing rules of Republic Act (RA) No. 12234, or the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

It noted that compressed timelines and simultaneous consultation processes would place an undue burden on operators, especially when discussing the law’s access list, dig-once policy, infrastructure sharing, cybersecurity, and spectrum management and policy framework (SMPF).

“Adequate spacing of consultations will ensure that inputs are substantive, well-considered, and genuinely reflective of the entire industry stakeholders' position,” the PCTO said.

In addition, the group is appealing for the full utilization of the one-year promulgation period of the SMPF to enable comprehensive consultation, collaborative drafting, and thorough review among spectrum stakeholders.

SMPF refers to the policies that govern the management of spectrum, including valuation and pricing, allocation, and assignment for public, private, and government use.

“Rushing the SMPF process risks producing a framework that is inadequately aligned with technical realities, market conditions, and the long-term interests of both industry and the public,” the PCTO said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency on Tuesday, March 24, due to the “imminent danger posed to the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply.”

The declaration shall remain in force for one year, unless extended or lifted by the President.