Duterte unlikely to issue EO on satellite technology use

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on September 7, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not likely to issue an executive order (EO) which will allow internet service providers to set up networks using satellite technology, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the call of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCOO) for Duterte to issue an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization to improve the country’s connectivity would need further study.

“Kinakailangan po nang mas malawakang pag-aaral diyan dahil alam naman natin ang paggamit ng ere ay (That requires extensive review because we know that the use of airwaves is) subject to the grant of a franchise issued by Congress,” he said.

Roque explained that signing the EO could infringe on the Congress’ power to grant franchises.

“Sa tingin ko po parang malabo pong magawa ng Presidente iyan (I think it is unlikely that the President will do that) through an Executive Order because he will be possibly infringing on the powers of Congress but we need to study the matter in more details,” he added.

PCCI President, Amb. Benedicto Yujuico earlier said signing an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization is the fastest way to allow internet services providers to build their network using satellite technology for internet connectivity.

He said the proposed EO may take effect while bills to improve connectivity are pending at legislative level.

Duterte has urged his Cabinet to employ “drastic” measures to shorten the process of securing permits for building telecommunication towers following difficulties experienced by telecommunication companies in securing permits to build towers or cell sites.

In his fifth and penultimate State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 27, Duterte called on Globe and Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., to improve their services by December.