Senators wary of China telco entry

MANILA, Philippines — Senators warned yesterday of the na­tional  security implications of allowing a Chinese telecommunications giant to operate in the country as they urged the government to consider allowing other companies from other countries.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the impending entry of China Telecom put the nation between two bad choices: continue the duopoly and let Filipinos suffer from poor service and high rates, or let in a giant company from a country that poses a threat to Philippine sovereignty.

“China Telecom: the heck of a choice between duopoly and national security. One is doom; the other, doomier. Isn’t there a third alternative?” Lacson said in his Twitter account.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Tuesday said President Duterte has ordered the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission to facilitate the entry of China Telecom early next year.

Duterte also asked the courts not to interfere in the entry of the Chinese telecommunications company.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he welcomed the entry of a Chinese company into the local telecommunication industry but advised the government to exercise caution. 

He said additional players are needed given the present state and quality of the internet and communications service in the country, which is among the slowest in Asia.

“Indeed, a lot has to be done in order for the country to improve on this aspect. We need more competition,” Drilon said.

“However, we should exercise caution and the government should look into the security aspect of this undertaking. The Chinese companies are state-owned while those operating in the Philippines are purely private. The Chinese government is already an investor in our national grid. The government should look into this matter,” he said.