Senator eyes up to P5M in daily penalties against erring telcos

Senator Bam Aquino is eyeing stiffer penalties on telecommunications companies that violate directives of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

In Senate Bill 3208, Aquino wants erring telcos to pay P300,000 to P5 million a day for each violation of any certificate, authority, resolution or regulation of the NTC.

The bill also empowers NTC to increase amount of fines every five years, subject to a certification by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

"With heavier penalties, NTC can expect greater compliance from Internet providers to standards and regulations that have been set to advance Internet quality in the Philippines," the senator said in a statement.

The bill seeks to amend outdated provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 146 or the Public Service Law and make it attuned to present times, to give the commission more teeth in dealing with erring telcos.

The law, in its resent version, imposes a fine of P200 per day.

The measure would empower the NTC to institute a P300-million fine on telcos found guilty of performing any forbidden action, or if a company fails or neglects to perform required act.

Aquino said the measure will help improve the country's slow and expensive Internet, which leaves millions of Filipinos frustrated by the situation.

"Being the fastest growing economy in the ASEAN, this is clearly unacceptable and measures to improve our Internet quality while driving down is cost must be prioritized," he said.

The senator called on stakeholders to band together and establish a framework for the constant improvement of the Internet system for the benefit of all Filipinos, especially those engaged in commerce.

"When it comes to public services, we must do more than just keep up with the development of our neighbors, but exceed them. Let us band together to significantly improve Internet service in the Philippines," he said. – Amita Legaspi/VS, GMA News