By Fernan Angeles
RECORD-breaking best describes the most recent development that saw presidential ally Dennis Uy’s Dito Telecommununity secure a 25-year franchise to operate as the third telecoms firm in just a matter of 11 weeks.
In voting 240 in favor with just seven opposed, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 7372 granting Dito Telecommunity, the telco of Udenna Corp. tycoon Dennis Uy, a 25-year congressional franchise to operate.
The bill, which was filed on June 11, the House likewise secured the fastest record, for bills filed at the lower legislative chamber.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives 11 weeks after it was filed.
Previously, Dito Telecommunity hinted on rolling out operations in the first quarter of 2021.
Dito’s entry in the industry would now see three giants in what is considered the most lucrative business in an era where interconnectivity has grown to become an essential among 108 million Filipinos.
Dito is a consortium between two Dennis Uy companies (Udenna Corp. and Chelsea Logistics Corp.) and China Telecom, a state-owned telco from China.