The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) hereby respectfully submits this statement of concern in light of the prevailing national energy emergency and its significant impact on the telecommunications sector.
The PCTO acknowledges the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act and its objectives of expanding digital connectivity for all Filipinos. However, 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 the following:
1. EXTENDED AND SPACED POLICY CONSULTATIONS
Given the magnitude and urgency of the national energy emergency, the PCTO requests that policy consultations pertaining to the various issues such as the access list, dig once policy, SMPF, infrastructure sharing & cybersecurity and others related to the implementing rules under the Konektadong Pinoy Act be extended and appropriately spaced. 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.
2. DUE CONSIDERATION FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONAL AND COST PRESSURES
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.
3. FULL UTILIZATION OF THE ONE-YEAR SMPF PROMULGATION PERIOD
The Konektadong Pinoy Act provides a period of one (1) year for the promulgation of the Spectrum Management and Policy Framework (SMPF). The PCTO strongly appeals for the full and meaningful use of this 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.
4. MORATORIUM ON POLICY ISSUANCES DURING THE CRISIS PERIOD
Considering the foregoing, the PCTO respectfully appeals that, for the duration of the ongoing national energy emergency, the Government refrain from unduly rushing the release of any circular, directive, or policy that would materially affect the telecommunications industry. A moratorium and proper extension of time for stakeholder consultations is not merely a procedural accommodation, it is a practical necessity.
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.
The PCTO remains committed to working constructively with all government agencies toward the shared goal of advancing digital connectivity for every Filipino.
