Duterte to open telecommunications to foreign companies

Duterte said that he wanted to prove the quality of the service and that he will open these sectors to new players. (Photo: Rody Duterte/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wants to open information and communications (ICT) and energy sectors to foreign companies.

After President Duterte attended the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ meeting in Lima, Peru, he had a press conference upon arriving in Davao City late Wednesday, November 23 and mentioned to open the Philippines for business.

“The only way to make this country move faster to benefit the poor is really to open up communications, the airwaves, and the entire energy sector. My decision now, at this moment is, bubuksan ko ang Pilipinas (I will open the Philippines for business),” Duterte quoted as saying in a rappler report.

“It’s about time we share the money of the entire country and to move faster, make competition open to all,” he added.

He said that he wanted to prove the quality of the service and that he will open these sectors to new players.

“The Philippines acknowledges the significant role of more vibrant telecommunication and power industries to be able to participate in the global market with a competitive edge,” Duterte said.

“Who are the players? Who have the billions? ‘Multi’ is the first name, ‘billion’ is the last name. So why will I think twice? And I do not owe you anything. Precisely, I was avoiding you during the last election” Duterte said in the same report.

“I don’t want to have a quarrel with the Ayalas and Pangilinan,” He added.

“Now, kung i-dive niyo ang mga presyo ninyo, walang problema (Now, if you make your price dive down, no problem), I will forget my statement,” he added.

Remembering last May, President Duterte warns the power industry players and just previously, he also warned the telecom owners of the country,

“Let us open everything para matapos na itong kalbaryo ng Pilipino (so that the suffering of the Filipino will end)” he said.