The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it supports the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, or the Konektadong Pinoy bill, but reiterated the need for safeguards and clear regulation over the proposed liberalization of the country’s data and digital sector.
PCCI President Enunina Mangio said in a statement on Sunday the Konektadong Pinoy bill has certain guardrails to ensure only capable and responsible entities are allowed to operate in the internet service market. However, she called for protection for data security as the country democratizes internet access.
She warns the Philippines’ national security may be at risk if the regulatory framework lacks enough provision for safety nets.
“Open access must not come at the cost of our national security or the integrity of our critical digital infrastructure,” Mangio said.
‘Transparency and foresight’
The implementing rules and regulations should also be crafted with transparency and foresight, Mangio added.
Meanwhile, PCCI said the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for data transmission service providers is a positive move, but the group also wants a clear, comprehensive and well-enforced regulatory framework to liberalize the data and digital sector.
Mangio said the group also supports the streamlining of processes, and the elimination of outdated barriers that have long hindered the entry of new players into the internet service market.
The group also seeks a stronger National Telecommunications Commission for more effective oversight, with a clear criteria for approving and monitoring service providers.
“By opening the sector to more qualified providers and encouraging healthy competition, this law will bring much-needed investments in digital infrastructure and expand internet access, especially in underserved and remote communities,” Mangio said.
PCCI said the bill will not only open up the information and communication technology industry to more players, but it will also improve Filipino consumers’ access to internet service by cutting the cost of the expensive but slow internet in the Philippines.
Mixed support, concerns
PCCI is the latest organization calling for the signing into law of the Konektadong Pinoy bill. The bill was recently ratified by Congress.
Previously, 35 business and civic organizations issued a joint statement asking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately enact the Konektadong Pinoy Act to democratize internet access.
If done immediately, this could potentially be the administration’s greatest legacy, they said on June 25.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) in its own statement on June 12, meanwhile, cautioned about the regulatory gaps and unfair market conditions that the bill should address.
PCTO President and Globe Telecom General Counsel Froilan Castelo, is concerned that the proposed bill “lowers the bar” when it comes to accountability. The country could face other risks due to “unregulated infrastructure and potential foreign control,” he said.
PCTO also objects to the removal of requirements for new data transmission such as the legislative franchise or a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. It noted that while new players are allowed to operate with “fewer checks”, the existing players are still subjected to full regulation.
