A controversial bill aimed at enhancing internet connectivity and promoting competition in the Philippines has officially become law, despite fierce opposition from the country's largest telecommunications companies. The "Konektadong Pinoy" bill lapsed into law after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took no action within the required 30-day period following its transmission from Congress.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the development on Sunday, according to Bloomberg. The legislation simplifies licensing processes for new market entrants, promotes infrastructure sharing, and allows smaller players to invest in data infrastructure without requiring a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Major telcos signal legal challenge
PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc., the Philippines' telecom leaders, have strongly criticized the measure as discriminatory against established carriers that have invested heavily in infrastructure. A PLDT executive indicated earlier this month that the company may challenge the law's constitutionality in court, arguing it unfairly targets local firms.
Globe Telecom had urged President Marcos to return the bill to Congress, expressing concerns about regulatory imbalance and lack of transparency oversight for new players entering the market.
Government pushes digital inclusion agenda
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) welcomed the law's enactment, with Secretary Henry Aguda stating the agency will immediately convene stakeholders to draft implementing rules and regulations within 90 days.
President Marcos had certified the bill as urgent in January to facilitate development of robust communications infrastructure and establish a competitive data industry. The law addresses what DICT calls roadblocks from outdated regulations that have "stifled competition and innovation for years," potentially reducing connectivity costs for Filipino consumers nationwide.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the development on Sunday, according to Bloomberg. The legislation simplifies licensing processes for new market entrants, promotes infrastructure sharing, and allows smaller players to invest in data infrastructure without requiring a legislative franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.
Major telcos signal legal challenge
PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc., the Philippines' telecom leaders, have strongly criticized the measure as discriminatory against established carriers that have invested heavily in infrastructure. A PLDT executive indicated earlier this month that the company may challenge the law's constitutionality in court, arguing it unfairly targets local firms.
Globe Telecom had urged President Marcos to return the bill to Congress, expressing concerns about regulatory imbalance and lack of transparency oversight for new players entering the market.
Government pushes digital inclusion agenda
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) welcomed the law's enactment, with Secretary Henry Aguda stating the agency will immediately convene stakeholders to draft implementing rules and regulations within 90 days.
President Marcos had certified the bill as urgent in January to facilitate development of robust communications infrastructure and establish a competitive data industry. The law addresses what DICT calls roadblocks from outdated regulations that have "stifled competition and innovation for years," potentially reducing connectivity costs for Filipino consumers nationwide.
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