scitech hearing

Sen. Bam to conduct Senate hearing on increasing telco players in PH

The government should keep the market open to more telecommunications companies to give the public a better choice for quality and affordable internet connection, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.
 
“Kailangan natin ng dagdag-kumpetisyon sa ating bayan. Why limit the industry to 3 players? The more, the merrier the consumer,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor of the law providing free internet in public places.
 
“Iyong mga bansa gaya ng Singapore na pagkaliit-liit, tatlo hanggang apat ang kanilang telco, tayo dalawa lang,” added Sen. Bam.
 
As chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology, Sen. Bam will conduct a hearing tomorrow, November 20, to look into the possibility of adding more telco players to the mix.
 
“Habang marami ang player at open ang playing field, mas maraming pagpipilian, mas gaganda ang serbisyo, at mas magmumura ang presyo para sa ating mga kababayan. Bakit natin ito pipigilan?” said Sen. Bam.
 
The senator added that the hearing will also investigate other issues about the third player Mislatel, including concerns about national security and accusations of spying against one of its partner China Telecoms.
 
Sen. Bam has been investigating the slow and expensive internet connection in the country since the 16th Congress during his time as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
 
Aside from determining necessary legislation to boost internet speed, the hearings also compelled the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to come out with guidelines on minimum internet speeds and conducted speed testing in various areas of the Philippines to check compliance of telcos.
 
Sen. Bam also led the ‘Nakaw Load’ hearings in the Senate, allowing for irate customers to push for changes in the telcos’ policies on load deductions.

Bam pushes for support for Filipino scientists, business startups

Senator Bam Aquino calls on concerned government agencies to provide necessary support to Filipino scientists to boost the country capability in terms of research and development.
 
“We want to make sure na ang ating Filipino scientists, hindi lang sila makabalik dito at magkaroon ng opportunities sa ating bansa bagkus pati iyong mga nandito hindi na kailangan lumabas ng Pilipinas,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Committee on Science and Technology which he chairs.
 
Aside from enticing Filipino scientists to return to the country, concerned government agencies must give them more opportunities to thrive through proper benefits and other forms of support.
 
Sen. Bam said his committee will focus on the passage of Senate Bill No. 679 or the Magna Carta for Scientists to help address the issue.
 
Aside from the plight of Filipino scientists, the hearing also tackled the measure providing necessary support for business startups to thrive and compete in the market.
 
“Nakita natin na full support ang DOST, ang DTI, all of the agencies are fully supportive of this bill. This will hopefully unlock our digital startup community,” said Sen. Bam of his Senate Bill No. 175 or the Innovative Startup Act.
 
Among those who expressed support for the bill were Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Pena, other government officials and private stakeholders.
 
“Maraming startup sa ating bansa na magagaling. They have very good ideas pero nasasayang dahil nahihirapan magsimula ng negosyo at nahihirapan sa mga regulasyon,” said Sen. Bam.
 
If enacted into law, Sen. Bam said the Innovative Startup Act will make it easier for tech startups to set up and build successful businesses in our country.

 

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