‘Konektadong Pinoy’: Groups warn of security loopholes in bill

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MANILA, Philippines — A proposed bill designed to boost digital connectivity in the Philippines is raising alarms among geopolitical experts and consumer groups, who warn that its oversight loopholes could invite foreign espionage, cyberattacks, and widespread scam syndicates.

Certified as urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Act, aims to modernize data transmission infrastructure. However, experts warned that by weakening regulatory oversight, the bill could expose the nation’s telecommunications networks to serious security threats.

In an issued statement, Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, president of the international think tank Stratbase Institute, cautioned that the bill’s deregulation of the country’s radio frequency spectrum—a critical provision—would leave the digital infrastructure vulnerable to exploitation by malicious foreign actors.

READ: FinTech groups back ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill

“We want to be connected, but not at the cost of our security,” Manhit warned. “Removing the requirement for a legislative franchise to access the country’s radio frequencies weakens safeguards and opens the door to foreign entities with potentially harmful intentions.”

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Manhit said that the country’s digital networks must be protected by robust policy and technology that would protect our government and private institutions from malevolent foreign infiltration.

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“By easing entry requirements for new telecommunications players, the legislation could allow unreliable or even hostile entities to disrupt critical infrastructure.”

Manhit pointed out that the bill does not align with the safeguards outlined in the Public Services Act (PSA), which ensures that vital infrastructure remains under strict regulatory oversight.

“We need to strengthen the security of our digital backbone, not expose it to unchecked foreign influence,” he said.

Beyond national security risks, consumer protection advocate Patrick Climaco, Secretary General of Konsyumer at Mamamayan (KM) warned that the Konektadong Pinoy Bill could pave the way for a surge in digital fraud and scams.

“If new players are allowed to enter the industry without stringent vetting, bad actors could exploit the system, leading to an increase in online scams, phishing schemes, and fraudulent telecommunications services,” Climaco said.

Likewise, CitizenWatch Philippines lead convenor Orlando Oxales stressed that, “Without strong regulatory enforcement, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) would have limited power to oversee new market entrants, making it easier for unscrupulous entities to take advantage of consumers, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) where digital literacy is low – and internet users will be more vulnerable.”

READ: Marcos certifies Konektadong Pinoy Act as urgent

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) in a separate statement raised strong opposition to the bill, calling it not only unnecessary but potentially unconstitutional. The group argues that eliminating the congressional franchise requirement for new players undermines existing protections meant to safeguard the country’s limited radio spectrum.

“The Konektadong Pinoy Bill disregards constitutional provisions, undermines fair competition, and could even stifle investment in the telecommunications sector,” the PCTO said in a statement. The organization also criticized the bill for expanding spectrum allocation policies beyond data transmission into broadcast frequencies, a move that they argue could invite legal challenges.

“The government must ensure that any entity granted access to the nation’s digital backbone is thoroughly vetted,” Manhit emphasized. “Weak oversight means greater risks of cyberattacks targeting government institutions, private businesses, and ordinary Filipinos.”

“Digital inclusivity must not come at the expense of national security and consumer protection,” Manhit said.