"We may be lagging behind in terms of technology, but this does not mean we should compromise our sensitive and strategic services."
"We may be lagging behind in terms of technology, but this does not mean we should compromise our sensitive and strategic services."As we adapt to the new normal, the need for high-quality, reliable and stable telecommunications services is far greater than ever.
In response to this growing demand, new telecommunications companies are slowly making their way into the Philippine market. Recently, the National Telecommunications Commission issued a provisional authority to NOW Telecom as a budding fourth telco in the country. Weeks ago, DITO Telecom announced that it entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to construct cell towers inside military camps.
With this emphatic call for better telecommunications services, infrastructure is undeniably important. Nevertheless, certain situations must be considered in putting up the necessary structures. Foremost is the threat to national security. DITO Telecom was quick to assure that the construction of these towers within the military premises will not give rise to any security breach or issue. However, reports alleged that the signed MOA includes provisions allowing non-Filipino individuals entry and access to the military camps. Despite the known stringent protocols of the military and the stated purposes of such access, the risks posed by this agreement are real and substantial.
Given the developments in modern technology, we cannot be sure of what can and cannot be done. It is difficult to hide anything, especially when access to a certain area is allowed. In my previous articles, I have repeatedly reminded and called the attention of the government regarding the security risks of foreign involvement in our public utilities. National security is non-negotiable and has no tag price.
Until now, we are still threatened by the influence on and “control” of the Chinese, through its State Grid Corporation of China, of our national grid. On paper, it can be said that Filipinos are entirely in control, but we do not exactly know who holds significant power in these institutions. This is dangerous given the end goal of a unified national power grid which was originally set for 2020.
What are the other important and critical industries in the country at risk? Aside from power, we have telecommunications. As mentioned earlier, the linkage of the Chinese state-owned China Telecom with DITO has produced doubts on the integrity of the latter’s security policies. Entering into this agreement that allegedly allows non-Filipinos entry to our military facilities is like dancing with the devil. Given this, perhaps we can say that, now, they have power and telecommunications.
Another important public utility is water. Just last week, I talked about the advantages of pursuing a public-private partnership in constructing new water facilities in areas surrounding the Kaliwa and Kanan rivers, as opposed to having a China-funded project. With the setup being pushed by the MWSS, we cannot be sure that the welfare of our environment and our people will be protected.
The perils of foreign involvement are immeasurable. While we are in dire need of improvements in such public utilities, these do not have to come with such a hefty price. While we may not see yet the repercussions of these agreements, safe to say, we cannot simply trade off our national security. We may be lagging behind in terms of technology, but this does not mean we should compromise our sensitive and strategic services.