Duterte forms oversight committee for 3rd telco's entry

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of an oversight committee that will ensure an “integrated and transparent” entry of a new player that will challenge a longstanding duopoly in the country’s telecommunications industry.

The committee will be chaired by a representative from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, according to Administrative Order no. 11 signed by Duterte last April 6.

Meanwhile, an official from the Department of Finance will sit as vice-chairperson of the body. A representative from the Office of the Executive Secretary and the National Security Adviser will also join the oversight body.

The committee will have the following powers and functions:

• Assist the National Telecommunications Commission, or NTC, in the formulation of the Terms of Reference for the selection and assignment of radio frequencies;
• Oversee compliance of the NTC and other implementing agencies with the provisions of the TOR;
• Ensure timely implementation pursuant to the timeline established by the DICT and NTC;
• Call upon other government agencies for assistance as the circumstances and exigencies may require and
• Exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary.

“The entry of a new major player in the telecommunications market is a matter of paramount national interest which shall redound to be the benefit of the public by ensuring genuine competition in the country’s telecommunications industry,” Duterte said.

The oversight committee’s mandate will expire within 30 calendar days from the selection of the third telecom firm and awarding of frequencies.

Duterte has invited foreign firms, backed by a consortium of Filipino businesses, to take a role in his country’s wireless communications industry to stir up competition in an effort to boost poor services.

Incumbents PLDT and Globe say they welcome the competition.

Acting DICT Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr. earlier said the department has a “self-imposed timeline” of choosing the industry’s new entrant before the president delivers his next State of the Nation Address in late July.