The supposed corruption in processing the requirements for the construction of new telecommunication towers has drawn the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a speech aired on state-run PTV-4, Duterte directed his Cabinet to take “drastic” steps against government offices behind the delay in the establishment of additional telecommunication towers in the country.
“It’s really corruption,” he said. “Ang order ko sa Cabinet ngayon is to really take ‘yung pinakamabigat, the most drastic measures that you can find para magkaintindihan na tayo.”
Duterte made the remarks after he summoned Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu to Malacañang on Thursday night.
The President’s meeting with Cu came three days after he warned that Globe Telecom, Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., could face closure if the two telecommunications firms (telcos) fail to improve their services by yearend.
Cu told Duterte that the sluggish processing of permits for the construction of additional telecommunication towers in the country burdens his company.
“Ang 25 to 29 permit, umaabot ng walong buwan. Tapos marami pa ho kaming miscellaneous fees. Iba’t ibang klaseng tower fees. Meron kaming special use permit. Hindi ho namin ma-standardize,” he said.
Cu also lamented that the number of required documents hinders Globe from building more common towers.
“Hindi ho namin alam kung ano ang itutuloy eh sa dami ng permit na required para makarating kami sa stage na ready to build,” he said.
After hearing Cu’s concerns, Duterte encouraged telcos to issue a formal complaint against local officials who stall the processing of requirements for additional telecommunication towers.
He told telcos not to hesitate to inform the proper authorities.
