THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Friday defended its enforcement of mobile broadband standards after telecommunications operators questioned penalties imposed over their alleged service deficiencies.
The regulator said it had observed due process in proceedings conducted under Memorandum Circular 001-01-2026. The standards were issued after a public hearing, in which telecommunications companies were allowed to participate and submit comments.
It noted that operators had also been repeatedly notified of service deficiencies nationwide and given enough time to correct them.
NTC Deputy Commissioner Andres Castelar Jr. said the show-cause orders allow operators to explain their position, submit evidence, and challenge the findings and proposed penalties.
The NTC said it has legal authority to impose penalties for violations of service standards. Network expansion and other investment priorities, it added, do not excuse noncompliance.
The regulator said it would review the operators’ submissions and defenses under existing laws and procedures.
“We remain committed to due process, evidence-based enforcement and transparency,” the NTC said.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators earlier expressed concern over the sanctions, claiming that fines were imposed before operators received adequate notice or an opportunity to challenge the NTC’s findings.
The group added that the regulator had not sufficiently disclosed the methods, metrics, testing conditions and other technical bases used to determine violations, making it difficult for operators to verify or dispute the results.
