Amid reports that scam calls and messages in the Philippines rose by 200 percent during the first eight months of 2024, a consumer group says a proposal in the Senate to loosen regulations for new telecommunication players could only lead to even more exploitation.
In a statement, the Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) expressed its concerns over Senate Bill No. 2699 (Konektadong Pinoy Act), claiming that it could be exploited by digital scammers.
BK3 convenor lawyer Karry Sison warned that reducing or eliminating the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) oversight functions might leave consumers without a recourse for complaints against foreign service providers' inefficiencies.
Sison also criticized the bill's proposal to ease regulatory requirements for new telecom players, arguing that this could allow cybercriminals to exploit the system.
The convenor also emphasized that the government should ensure strong safeguards against cyber threats before easing regulations.
"Excessive relaxation of policies could lead to more problems than solutions," Sison warned.
However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, author of SB 2699, has stated that the bill aims to enhance nationwide access to fast and affordable connectivity.
“We must modernize our digital infrastructure to ensure that all Filipinos have access to, and the use of, affordable, quality, and up-to-date information and communication technologies,” Cayetano, chairman of the Senate committee on science and technology, was quoted by media last May when he filed the bill.
Among others, SB 2699 includes provisions for eliminating legislative franchise requirements for new telecom companies, encouraging infrastructure sharing, and managing radio spectrum allocation.
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