PLDT Inc., one of the Philippines' leading telecommunications companies, is urging the Philippine government to enact clearer rules that would allow telecommunications companies to respond more quickly to harmful online content, as the company pressed for a broader, multi-sector approach to digital safety.

"Our stand is definitely to push the government to come up with laws required to empower us. When it comes to violence, the laws do not empower us to act fast. That is why we are pushing the government to look seriously and then enact the right laws to empower telcos to act faster," PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of a forum on Tuesday.

The company said telecommunications firms could use their networks and reach to help address digital risks, but that clearer safeguards, policies, and regulations would be needed to define their role.

"I think if we were given the right guidelines, either by law or by the right government entity, I would prefer some level of empowerment where we are able to see and confirm that certain [sites] are actually violent," Mr. Jimenez said.

PLDT also called for cooperation among telecommunications companies, online platforms, government agencies, and other stakeholders in addressing online harms, including risks to children.

"While we have done what a network like us can do on our own, we also acknowledge that no single player can solve this alone. Our role as PLDT is to use our network and our reach to help reduce these digital risks, and to gather different perspectives to come up with clear priorities and practical recommendations as we move forward," he said.

Last week, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the government agency that coordinates the country's cybercrime response, lifted its restriction on Discord less than a day after blocking access to the platform over security concerns. The restriction was lifted after Discord committed to work with Philippine authorities on additional safety measures. How, and how quickly, PLDT's request would be taken up by lawmakers and regulators remains to be seen.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Source: BusinessWorld