3 hours Ago By Mildred Galarpe
The Philippine Cellular Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has raised concerns over key provisions of the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill, warning it could compromise national security and discourage investment in the tele-com sector. While the bill, also known as the Open Access in Data, seeks to expand internet access by easing entry into the data transmission industry, PCTO believes it goes too far by removing safeguards critical to protecting the country’s critical information infrastructure (CII). Among the major concerns is the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for international gateway facilities, cable landing stations and satellite service providers.
Under the bill, these entities only need to register with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), without stringent background checks. PCTO warned that this opens the door for foreign state-backed shell companies to control infrastructure vital to national security. PCTO stressed that the franchise requirement should be retained, and the NTC must maintain its authority to evaluate new players’ legal, technical, financial and cybersecurity readiness—capabilities not clearly mandated in the bill.
The bill also fails to require compliance with national and global cybersecurity standards from the outset. PCTO argued that allowing a grace period of one–three years for new entrants exposes CII to potential cyberattacks. “Cybersecurity readiness must be a precondition,” the group said.
Although the bill aims to promote universal internet access, it does not mandate new players to serve unconnected areas. PCTO warns that without such provisions, new entrants may prioritize urban centers for quicker returns, leaving geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas) behind. Another major issue is the inclusion of spectrum management provisions, which PCTO called an unconstitutional “rider” as they fall outside the bill’s core topic.
The group believes this violates the “one bill, one subject” rule of the Constitution. PCTO also argued that the proposed “Konektadong Pinoy” bill’s exemption of data transmission providers (DTPs) from needing congressional franchises and Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity while retaining these requirements for existing telcos violates the principle of equal protection, potentially hindering fair competition and investment. More red flags The group also noted that removing NTC oversight and reducing franchise requirements weakens protection of the country’s finite spectrum resources, part of the national patrimony.
Imposing a 15 percent spectrum cap and requiring a no-objection notice from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) could distort competition and delay approvals, PCTO added. Other red flags include: * Lack of technology neutrality, particularly in satellite tech provisions, which may hinder future-proofing; * Risk of market erosion for domestic businesses due to easier entry for fo- reign players; * Access list provisions that may violate due process and property rights; * The “dig once” policy, which mandates shared underground infrastructure, increases vulnerability to sabotage and reduces redundancy in emergencies. Despite these concerns, PCTO remains open to working with lawmakers on a revised version that promotes secure, inclusive, and sustainable connectivity.
“We are willing to work with our lawmakers towards a version that supports a balanced, secure and competitive telecommunications landscape that will benefit all Filipinos, and not just those in urban areas,” said PCTO. “We need a whole-of-nation approach to realize a connected and secure Philippines.” Meanwhile, at the Digital Connectivity Conference on March 28, 2025, PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano underscored the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill in creating a competitive, affordable and accessible telecom sector.
She emphasized the role of data in driving innovation and economic growth, highlighting the need for a strong legal framework to ensure fair access to telecom infrastructure. “This bill articulates the state policy on data inclusivity, introduces key reforms in the approval process of telecommunications companies, as well as mainstreams competition principles in the national comprehensive data transmission and connectivity framework,” Medrano stated. Sen.
Sherwin Gatchalian, co-author of the bill, who was in the same conference, called it a “game-changer” that aims to connect all Filipinos, regardless of location or income. PCC Executive Director Kenneth Tanate, on the other hand, stressed the importance of competition in reducing entry barriers for new players to improve services, lower costs and boost access for consumers. “The Konektadong Pinoy bill is a decisive step toward dismantling these barriers.
Many of these concerns fall within the mandate of the PCC. We welcome the additional roles and responsibilities being proposed for the PCC under this bill,” Tanate said. / MVG with PR.
