MALACAÑANG said the selection of a so-called “third player” for the telecommunications industry will be taken over by the Office of the President if a new entrant is not named by November.
Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said on Monday that the selection process is currently under way, but the President has said that “if selection has not happened by November he will take over.”
On whether the Palace is optimistic about the selection committee meeting the President’s November deadline, Mr. Panelo said: “Hopefully, hopefully.”
The President signed on April 7 Administrative Order (AO) No. 11 creating an oversight committee on the entry of a third player to “ensure reliable, inexpensive and secure telecommunications services.”
The Palace noted that a third player to challenge incumbents Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc., “is a matter of paramount national interest which shall redound to the benefit of the public by ensuring genuine competition in the telecommunications industry.”
The oversight committee is composed of representatives of the Department of Information and Communications Technology as chairperson; the Department of Finance as vice-chairperson; the Office of the Executive Secretary; and the National Security Adviser. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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