Entry of Third Telco MISLATEL Was Welcomed by the Palace

The entry of Mislatel Consortium was welcomed by the Malacañang as the third provisional telecommunications company (telco) in the country.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an assessment that it is a "positive development." 

Panelo continued “Our people have long waited for a reliable, efficient, and inexpensive telecommunications service. The President’s strong political will has laid the foundation for its realization.” 

Genuine competition in the telecommunications industry, he said, could “come about only with a new major player which will break the existing duopoly.”

Panelo added Mislatel complied with the legal and constitutional requirements in the bidding process set by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“There was a transparent, fair, public and open selection process,” he said.

Panelo said the NTC imposed requirements in favor of the government and end users to ensure sound performance by the new player.

Since the assumption of President Rodrigo Duterte, he said, “Filipinos have witnessed (his) assertive and bold leadership style.”

He said that “in the spirit of fairness,” losing bidders “can appeal their cases before appropriate agencies.” “While he sets policies as the country’s Chief Executive, he does not micromanage the given assignments of his alter egos,” Panelo inlcuded.

“He does not interfere with the work of his Cabinet members and top officials as long as they properly execute their mandates in accordance with the law and the promises he made to the people.” The entry of the third player is another shining example of the brand of governance that the President has trail blazed for emulation,” he added.