After long months, the purchase of DigiTel by PLDT was finally approved by the National Telecommunications Council (NTC). Of course there still are opposers particularly a congressman who cited Section 15 of Digitel’s franchise (Republic Act No. 7678), granted in 1994, which says that Digitel:
“…shall not lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, sell nor assign this franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation or other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any other corporation or entity without the prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.”
Okay, that’s fine since PLDT is buying DigiTel and not its franchise directly. But then it goes on:
“Neither shall the controlling interest of the grantee be transferred, whether as a whole or in parts and whether simultaneously or contemporaneously, to any such person, firm, company, corporation or entity without the prior approval of the Congress of the Philippines.”
This is interesting since it effectively means it is illegal to buy even a single part or share of DigiTel without prior approval from congress. So if you bought a share of DGTL you’re a lawbreaker. Nice.