MANILA, Philippines — An advocacy group has warned against the negative implications of the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act on the country's national security.

Senate Bill 2699, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, aims to strengthen the country's internet infrastructure and enhance digital connectivity.

Authored by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, the measure has no franchise requirement for new telecom industry players to ply their trade in the country.

It also encourages the sharing of infrastructure among telecom companies.

Although the bill has gotten the support of some financial and trade institutions, CitizenWatch co-convenor Orlando Oxales said that while these are objectives that need urgent action, the bill, upon closer scrutiny, "threatens to compromise national security, undermine the integrity of the country's radio frequency spectrum, which is a critical and finite natural resource."

Oxales said that if passed, SB 2699 will eliminate the need for congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which diminishes the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and would lead to the exploitation of the country's spectrum allocation.

He said that the bill would open up security issues more than help the country improve its internet reach and speeds.

"This concern is not unfounded, given our recent experience with the liberalization of online gaming, which led to various social, economic, and security issues," Oxales added.

He said opening up the country's telco space and, at the same time, reducing the regulatory powers of NTC is concerning, noting that rapidly allowing more telco players in the country would be difficult to monitor, as some might not have the country's best interest at heart.

Oxales said government efforts should instead be centered on improving internet connections by enhancing NTC's capabilities and ensuring that it has the tools to oversee the evolving telecommunications landscape.