QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that other foreign companies can apply for the spot of third telecommunications player in the Philippines if talks with China do not succeed.
“But as I said, if for any reason, China Telecoms or any company nominated by the Chinese government finds the 60-40 requirement in the Constitution to be unacceptable, then of course, that will give us now the option to offer it to other companies,” Roque said
Roque said that the offer to China to provide a third telco player is the result of the bilateral talks between the Philippines and the Asian giant. He said that it appeared that China was willing then as it presented China Telecom.
“But there are no indications that Chinese… China Telecom does not want to push through with the project,” Roque said.
“But unless it’s actually up and going, I guess there is always a possibility that others may be involved if for any reason China Telecoms or China decides not to push through with their commitment , to start a third telecoms company,” he added.