Duterte wants to open PHL telecoms, airwaves, energy sectors

President Rodrigo Duterte late Wednesday said he wants to open the communications, media, and energy sectors to foreign players after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru.

"My decision now, this moment, is bubuksan ko ang Pilipinas," Duterte said upon arriving at the Davao City International Airport.

He said he wanted to open these sectors "to new players to improve quality of service."

"I don't want to have a quarrel with the Ayalas and Pangilinan," Duterte said, later adding that he would walk back from his comments if the conglomerates running the country's telecommunications companies drove their prices down.

"Kung i-dive ninyo ang presyo ninyo, walang problema. I will forget my statement."

ERC issue

Duterte's comments come on the heels of his demand for officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission to resign after the suicide of director Francisco Villa Jr.

The late ERC director revealed the corruption activities within the ERC in his suicide notes.

"Corruption, unahin ko na lang. I'd like just to send this strong message. It's about time that we share the money of the entire country. To move faster, make the competition open to all," he said.

ERC officials have refused to heed his call.

In his speech, Duterte threatened to abolish ERC. --JST, GMA News