Imee Marcos slams NTC draft rules on internet access

MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has criticized the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over proposed regulations that she said run counter to the goals of the newly enacted Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA), warning the draft circular could hamper efforts to expand internet access nationwide.

In a statement dated Jan. 22, Marcos described the NTC proposal as a form of “sabotage” to the country’s connectivity development, arguing that decision-making over who receives telecommunications service should not be concentrated among a few players.

“Hindi dapat iilan lang ang nagdedesisyon kung sino ang magkaka-signal at sino ang wala,” Marcos said. (“A few should not be the only ones deciding who gets signal and who does not.”)

“Ang koneksyon ay para sa lahat, hindi lang sa mga lugar na kikita ang malalaking telco.” (“Connectivity is for everyone, not only for areas where large telcos stand to profit.”)

The senator raised concerns over what she called excessive restrictions on small, community-based internet service providers, including high capital requirements and bond obligations.

She said these conditions could stifle competition and limit the participation of smaller operators, particularly in underserved and less commercially attractive areas.

Marcos also objected to a provision she said would grant the NTC broad authority to disqualify applicants based on its own discretion, without clearly defined standards.

Such a measure, she said, risks arbitrary decisions and weakens regulatory transparency.

She further criticized the agency’s reported ban on electronic filing and continued reliance on hard-copy submissions, calling the process outdated and inconsistent with the government’s push for digital governance.

Marcos said the move contradicts broader e-governance initiatives and directives from the Supreme Court encouraging the use of digital systems.

In addition, the senator challenged the NTC to publish a complete list of companies holding radio frequency and spectrum authorizations, arguing that public disclosure is necessary to ensure transparency in the management of limited national resources.

Marcos urged regulators to adopt clear and fair rules, streamline procedures, and reduce red tape.

“Kapag patas ang patakaran at bukas ang merkado, mas maraming Pilipino ang konektado,” she said. (“When rules are fair and the market is open, more Filipinos get connected.”)

The NTC has not yet publicly responded to the senator’s remarks.