spot_img
27.7 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Hontiveros tells NSC: Do security audit on 3rd telco

- Advertisement -

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday renewed her call for the National Security Council to conduct a security audit on the country’s third telco player, Dito Telecommunity. 

“Here in the Philippines, we need to be vigilant and defend our national interest especially in light of China’s aggressive maneuvers in our own seas. It is only right that we also review Chinese companies that may pose a threat to our national security,” the senator said. 

“It is in this same spirit of protecting the national interest that I was impelled to vote against Dito’s franchise,” she added. 

The senator said this was the reason she called on the NSC to conduct a security audit of the telco. 

Hontiveros also filed Senate Resolution 137 to probe the deal with the Armed Forces of the Philippines that allows Dito to build cell towers inside our military camps. 

- Advertisement -

The senator made the call after the United States blacklisted Chinese firms, including China Telecom, which has 40 percent share in Dito, due to suspicions they supply or support China’s military and security apparatus. 

“It is not surprising ChinaTel was among the blacklisted Chinese firms in the US,” said Hontiveros. 

“Let’s also not forget that under China’s National Intelligence law, Chinese corporations are obliged to support intelligence-gathering efforts. China also has a Chinese Counter-Espionage Law, which forbids Chinese companies from refusing to assist their government in surveillance work,” she added. 

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles