MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of an oversight committee that will ensure an “integrated and transparent” entry of a new player that will challenge a longstanding duopoly in the country’s telecommunications industry. The committee will be chaired by a representative from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, according to Administrative Order no. A representative from the Office of the Executive Secretary and the National Security Adviser will also join the oversight body. “The entry of a new major player in the telecommunications market is a matter of paramount national interest which shall redound to be the benefit of the public by ensuring genuine competition in the country’s telecommunications industry,” Duterte said. The oversight committee’s mandate will expire within 30 calendar days from the selection of the third telecom firm and awarding of frequencies.

Source: Philippine Star April 11, 2018 04:07 UTC