MANILA, Philippines – A Senate proposal is urging the organization of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), stating the agency “has not done enough in regulating the local telecommunications industry.”

Senate Bill 3465 or the “NTC Reorganization Act”, drafted by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, proposes that the NTC be given sweeping powers over regulatory concerns of several industries, including telecommunications, broadcast, and even Internet services.

In Section 4 of the proposal, the NTC will be attached to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) for “policy and program coordination, and...administrative supervision.”

The NTC is currently under the CICT, which is also pushing for its own transformation into a national department.

Incidentally, Enrile's proposal stems from a previous incident with the telecommunications companies involving what he referred to as “disappearing loads,” alleging his prepaid credit card credits were being deducted due to supposedly unsolicited mobile services.

Enrile called on several telecommunications executives to explain the disappearance of his load. Several groups of mobile phone subscribers have also complained about the disappearance of their loads.

This led to several proposals from senators and congressmen to file proposals aimed at protecting the public from unsolicited or spam mobile services.

As for SB 3465, Enrile said he is making sure that the NTC has enough regulatory powers to enforce guidelines protecting consumers. He also noted that the bill should ensure fair competition among the telecommunications providers.

Enrile added that the NTC should come up with directions as to the development of the country's ICT industry.