NTC orders online sellers to stop sale of text blast machines

MANILA – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Wednesday issued show-cause orders to Facebook Marketplace (Facebook) and online shopping platforms Lazada and Shopee to immediately stop the sale of short messaging system (SMS) blast machines and other similar equipment.

In its show-cause order issued to Facebook, the NTC said the importation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of such equipment are not approved and “appear to violate” Republic Act 3846 or “The Radio Control Law,” and NTC Memorandum Order 01-02-2013 entitled “Prohibition of Portable Cellular Mobile Repeater and Portable Cell site Equipment.”

It also ordered the three companies to submit an explanation on October 27, as to why they should not be held liable for such violations.

“Failure to answer within the period herein granted shall be considered a waiver of the right of the respondent to be heard and the Commission shall render judgment as the law and evidence may warrant,” the show-cause orders read.

The show-cause orders were signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios, and Deputy Commissioner Delilah Deles.

Earlier, NPC Chair Raymund Liboro said sending unsolicited SMS blasts and collecting mobile numbers for such purposes violate the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

It noted that only emergency alerts such as those sent by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are allowed to be sent to subscribers without consent.