MANILA, Philippines — The proposed amendments to the Public Service Act of 1936 will foster more competition in the Philippine market, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Friday. NEDA said House Bill No. “NEDA supports the passage of this legislative measure primarily because it complements the Philippine Competition Act that puts the rights of the Filipino consumers on top by promoting a competitive market for them,” Pernia said. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said House Bill 78 is “fatally violative” of the 1987 Constitution since it would allow public utilities such as transportation and telecommunication to be owned by corporations. Citing the Constitution, Lagman said that ownership, operation, control and management of public utilities to Filipino citizens or to firms must be at least 60 percent owned by Filipinos.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 21, 2020 14:03 UTC