August 23, 2018
Mr. Eliseo M. Rio, Jr.
Acting Secretary
Department of Information and Communication
Technology
C.P. Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
Subject: Rules and regulations on the selection of a new mobile player in the public telecommunications market
Sir:
Based on news report, PLDT earmarks Php 150 Billlion pesos CAPEX budget for the next three (3) years. On the other hand, Globe earmarks USD 850 to 900 million CAPEX for the same three (3 )year period. Recently, Globe had secured the approval of a Tower company reportedly in partnership with SingTel of Singapore. A certain Isoc Holdings is reportedly setting up another Tower company.
Meantime, the proposed second tax reform package now called Trabaho bill will lower Corporate Income Tax and removes a list of fiscal incentives and subject everyone to the Value Added Tax.
We, LABAN KONSYUMER INC. supports to issue the Terms of Reference and commence the selection of the new mobile player in accordance with the project timetable . Given the above conditions in the industry, let us see who will emerge as the new mobile player.
We propose two (2) items to be added in the Rules and regulations.
1. To accept and evaluate a sole or lone bid in Section 4.8 , Submission, Opening and Preliminary Evaluation of Selection Documents.
2. In Section 7.9.3 on the composition of the Dispute Resolution Board , to add a representative of the consumer group and /or NGO experts in communication technology .
Consumers expect all of the above actions and commitments , from PLDT, Globe and the new mobile player , will bring a much improved and better quality services at reasonable prices.
Thank you very much .
Very truly yours,
Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, AB, LLB, LLM
President
ATTY. VICTORIO MARIO A. DIMAGIBA, AB, LLB, LLM
President, Laban Konsyumer, Inc.
Dear Atty. Dimagiba,
This is to acknowledge receipt of your e-mailed comment/position paper on 24 August 2018.
As part of the process, the Commission will study your inputs in connection with the draft Memorandum Circular.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
National Telecommunications Commission
New Major Player Secretariat