Duterte: India interested to invest in PH telco

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the induction of the new Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.), Inc. at the Malacañan Palace on February 20, 2018, reiterates that there will be no letup in his fight against corruption in government as it promotes ease of doing business. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Chief Executive said that he is considering an Indian firm to be the third player in the telecommunications (telco) industry of the country.

In his speech during the induction of the new officers of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerces Inc. in Malacañang on February 20, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte mentioned that he invited them in his official visit during his talks with businessmen in New Delhi, India.

“There’s a new application from an Indian company. India is also interested to enter into the telecom industry and we are considering,” Duterte said.

The President, however, was firm to advise the investors to ignore extortion attempts of public officials.

Duterte said, “So if you have a problem with government, I have opened up the third frequency for telecommunication, telecoms. If you are the representative there, you can always go to them and discuss business.”

“But if you are asked to shell out money or there is a transaction which involves corruption for favor or for a permit then let me know. Unless you are ready to give it then just shut up because it’s yours,” he added.

He also said that they are not supposed spend anything unless it was part of the official fees and collections of the government, which were mostly regulatory fees according to him.

Back in his speech in Davao in October 2016 before his visit to China, the President already expressed disappointment with the country’s two telco giants PLDT-Smart Communications and Globe Telecoms who gave “lousy” services. Duterte made the remarks by addressing the complaints of many Filipinos regarding slow internet connection and other phone services.

He also threatened the two that he will make offer China to join the telco industry, but other foreign companies have also shown interest.