After months of discussions, DITO Telecommunity’s request for franchise renewal has been finally approved.
A document from Malacañang Palace revealed that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had signed a law last Tuesday that renews DITO Telecommunity’s franchise for another 25 years.
The Republic Act 11537 states that the franchise has been extended for 25 years before its expiration on April 24, 2023, unless revoked or canceled sooner.
It’s stated that the franchise “shall be deemed ipso facto revoked” in case DITO fails to operate continuously for two years.
President Duterte demands that DITO’s services be “satisfactory at all times” and to reach areas that are yet to be served and in areas prone to hazards and typhoons.
The RA 11537 gives the president the right to suspend or takeover DITO’s equipment, facilities, and others, in case of war, public peril, rebellion, calamity, emergency, disaster, or in times of disturbance of peace and order.
RA 11537 explains that “The radio spectrum is a finite resource that is part of national patrimony and the use thereof is a privilege conferred upon the grantee by the State and may be withdrawn any time after due process”
Along with the Philippine Constitution provisions, Duterte requires DITO to offer at least 30% of its outstanding capital stocks to Filipinos within 5 years from the law becomes effective.
The president also orders DITO to have 60% of its workforce to be regular employees.
Just recently, DITO finally launched its mobile services in Metro Manila. As of writing, it’s now available in about 100 cities in the Philippines. To get on board, you should own a DITO SIM card and make sure your smartphone can support it. You can check the list of compatible devices here.
Via: ABS-CBN News