Globe Telecom’s Proposed Open Access Law Possible as Priority in Next Congress

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives may include in its priority list in the next Congress the proposed Open Access Law of Globe Telecom for the telecommunications industry.

In a letter to Globe, CPBRD requested for additional details on the telecommunication company’s proposal of an Open Access Law as a way to mitigate bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way in the deployment of telecommunications and broadband infra such as cell sites.

Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo emphasized that an Open Access legislation for the telecom industry would help minimize bureaucratic red tape and expedite the issuance of all relevant permits for all telecommunication facilities at the local government level. “Legislation of an Open Access law is extremely important if we are to support growth and development of the next generation. The interest that the CPBRD has shown for our proposal further motivates us to remain aggressive in developing a robust telecom infrastructure that we hope will support business capabilities of local industries,” Castelo said.

According to Castelo, the quality of existing telecommunication infrastructure in a given locality is oftentimes a direct result of the LGU permitting environment. He pointed out that securing different permits at LGU level could become very challenging, from the sheer number of permits to the different political personalities that mobile operators have to deal with.

City Skylines In Emerging Markets More Recognizable Than Ever

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Most Filipinos can tell the difference between the skylines of Makati and other cities around the globe - and now it seems the rest of the world can, too. The Philippine’s skyline is the most recognizable of any in the emerging markets, according to a new survey from global property portal Lamudi.

The multiple choice survey asked participants in the developed world - as well as countries in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa - to identify emerging market cities by their skylines. The survey presented respondents with skyline images of Medellín, Colombia; Lima, Peru; Karachi, Pakistan; Colombo, Sri Lanka and Makati, the Philippines.

The survey found that approximately 58 percent of Westerners were able to identify the Makati skyline, making the Metro Manila city the most recognizable. The skyline of Colombo was the least recognizable, with 52 percent.

According to survey results, Westerners were able to identify these five cities with surprising ease. Each city was identified correctly by more than 50 percent of respondents, regardless of their regional origin. These results point to a growing consciousness of emerging markets in the West.

DOTC Awards More MRT-3 Improvement Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded more Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) improvement projects that aim to provide passengers a better commuting experience and enhanced system reliability.

Innovalite Electrical Enterprise bagged the P2.10-million contract to supply new industrial fans for greater air flow and ventilation at station areas, such as the platforms and concourses. The fans will be installed within 90 calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

The contract for new traction motors that will replace depleted rotational spares was awarded to Ad Lib-YongJi Joint Venture for P79.86 million. These motors should have the same performance specifications as the current ones and should be delivered within 300 calendar days from issuance of NTP.

The MRT-3 will also acquire a new multi-purpose road-rail vehicle that will be used for the maintenance of the overhead catenary system. The Joint Venture of Kempal Construction and Supply Corporation and Maquinaria del Eo, the winning bidder for the P46.39-million contract, will deliver the maintenance equipment within 330 calendar days from issuance of NTP.