Marcos aims to fast-track the development of the Philippines’ telecommunications sector by minimizing bureaucratic red tape.
MANILA – Presidential hopeful Bongbong Marcos made headlines today as he proposed to eliminate what he deems as “needless” work permits in the telecommunications industry.
He argues that these excessive bureaucratic regulations hinder the growth and development of the industry in the Philippines, potentially preventing the country from being competitive on a global scale.
“I believe in a digital future for our nation, and the first step is to unburden our telecommunications industry from the shackles of unnecessary paperwork,” said Marcos during a press conference yesterday.
Marcos emphasized that the current permit system, which requires companies to go through numerous local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies, creates a time-consuming and cumbersome process. He argues that this bureaucratic red tape is detrimental to the growth of the telco industry and, consequently, the digital progress of the country.
Supporters of Marcos’ proposal argue that this move could revolutionize the telco industry, encouraging more players to invest in the Philippines. This would potentially increase competition, resulting in improved services and better pricing for consumers.
However, critics argue that such deregulation could lead to uncontrolled development and potential violations of environmental and zoning regulations.
“Our goal should be to strike a balance between encouraging growth in our telecommunications industry and preserving our environment and local communities,” said environmental advocate Maria Santos.
With the 2023 Presidential elections on the horizon, this issue is expected to play a significant role in shaping the political conversation around the country’s digital future.
Bongbong Marcos’ campaign is keen on making technology and digital infrastructure a central theme, aiming to position the Philippines as a leader in the digital age.
However, the question remains whether scrapping these permits will indeed accelerate the development of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, or if it will create more problems than it solves.
As the discussions around this proposal continue, Filipinos across the nation eagerly await to see how it will shape the future of their digital lives.