From the current P200 fine per day for erring telco companies, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino wants to increase the amount to between P300,000 to P5 million every day per violation of any resolution or regulation of the National Telecommunications Commission.
The proposal of Aquino to impose heavier fines and penalties on telecommunications entities that will violate directives from the NTC is in line with his advocacy for better Internet service.
Aquino’s Senate Bill 3208 seeks to amend the outdated provisions of Commonwealth Act 146 or the Public Service Law to make it attuned to present times.
It would also give NTC more power in dealing with erring telecommunications companies.
The bill also allows NTC to increase the amount of fines every five years, subject to a certification from the National Economic Development Authority.
Also, the measure empowers NTC to impose a P300-million fine on telecommunications entities that will perform any forbidden action or neglect or fail to perform a required act.
“With heavier penalties, NTC can expect greater compliance from Internet providers to standards and regulations that have been set to advance Internet quality in the Philippines,” Aquino said.
If enacted into law, Aquino said the measure will improve the country’s slow and expensive Internet service.
Aquino also called on stakeholders to band together to create a framework for the improvement of the country’s Internet system for the benefit of all Filipinos, especially those engaged in commerce.
“When it comes to public services, we must do more than just keep up with the development of our neighbors and exceed them,” he said.
For two years, the neophyte senator has been pushing for faster and cheaper Internet service, as he believes it will create jobs and livelihood and make the country more competitive.