The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO), which groups telecommunications firms in the country, is seeking for moratorium on the implementation of the Konektadong Pinoy to ensure viability of industry players during this period of economic difficulty.
“A moratorium and proper extension of time for stakeholder consultations is not merely a procedural accommodation, it is a practical necessity,” stated the PCTO statement. President Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order 110, declaring a state of national emergency, in light of the global fuel crisis brought about by the war in Iran.
For the duration of the crisis period, the PCTO asked the government to refrain from unduly rushing the release of any circular, directive, or policy that would materially affect the telecommunications industry.
According to the PCTO, the overriding urgency at this time is to ensure that the telecommunications industry remains operational, financially viable, and fully capable of keeping critical telecom infrastructure functional and resilient. “Stability in the sector is not an industry interest alone, it is a public interest, as connectivity has proven indispensable in times of national crisis,” said the group.
The telcos acknowledged the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act and its objectives of expanding digital connectivity for all Filipinos. However, it added that in consideration of the extraordinary circumstances currently facing the nation, the PCTO respectfully urges all relevant government agencies and regulators to give immediate and serious attention to some concerns.
For instance, the PCTO requests that policy consultations pertaining to the various issues such as the access list, dig once policy, Spectrum Management Policy Framework (SMPF), infrastructure sharing and cybersecurity and others related to the implementing rules under the Konektadong Pinoy Act be extended and appropriately spaced.
It noted that compressed timelines and simultaneous consultation processes place an undue burden on stakeholders whose operational capacities are presently strained. Adequate spacing of consultations will ensure that inputs are substantive, well-considered, and genuinely reflective of the entire industry stakeholders’ position.
Second, the telcos said that the ongoing national energy emergency has given rise to significant internal challenges for telecom operators, including increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, workforce constraints, and heightened demand for essential connectivity services. “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,” the statement added.
It further appealed for the use of the one year statutory period to allow for comprehensive consultation, collaborative drafting, and thorough review among all spectrum stakeholders.
“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,” it noted.
“The PCTO remains committed to working constructively with all government agencies toward the shared goal of advancing digital connectivity for every Filipino,” the statement concluded.
