A group of lawyers urged the government to scrutinize safeguards in place to prevent spying in the country through telecommunications firms. Lorenzana earlier disclosed that the government inked a deal allowing Dito Telecommunity, which was recently granted a franchise by Congress, to install cell towers within military camps, similar to mobile service providers Smart and Globe. TNW founding member Marlon Anthony Tonson said the government should exercise all precautions against the possible intrusion into the country’s internet connectivity by the Dito Telecommunity. He also warned that House Bill 78, which would allow foreigners to fully own public utilities like transportation, communication, and power firms in the Philippines, is unconstitutional. The measure was approved by the House of Representatives last March.

Source: Manila Times September 21, 2020 04:30 UTC