SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES. Joate 6
First Regular Section Janne a

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ev

House Bill No.28? RES'STRATION UNIT
BILLS AND INE X SERVICE

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The use of cellular phones is now an indispensable part of modern life for every
individual regardless of social strata. In view of this, it would be beneficial for Filipino
users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile
network carrier to another- this is known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

Apart from the benefits derived by Filipino consumers, MNP is important for
the telecom markets because it removes a bar to switching that keeps those with much
equity in the number - in particular many business users - prisoner behind a high
switching barrier. The reduction in barriers to switching is of particular benefit to
challenger carriers against dominant incumbents.

Based on the foregoing, and the public policy to ensure the greatest good for the
greatest number, implementing MNP will create a more competitive Telecom
environment, as well as, provide greater benefits to our citizens.

‘Therefore, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

VIGTOR A. YAP
Representative, 2nd District of Tarlac


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SEVENTEENTH CONGRI
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Section )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

2873

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING NUMBER PORTABILITY FOR MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the "Mobile Telephone Number
Portability Act of 2016".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to ensure and promote
Public interest and convenience in the country. The remarkable growth of mobile telephone
subscribers connotes telecommunications as an inevitable public service needing reasonable
regulation to promote the interest of the continuously growing consumers or mobile telephone
subscribers. In view of this, the State shall promote consumers’ choice in telecommunications service
to avail of superior services suitable to their needs thereby giving value to the cost of the telephone

service.

SECTION 3. Defini

in of Terms. ~ For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

a) Certi

cate of Public Convenience and Necessity - refers to an authority issued by the
Commission to operate a public telecommunications service based on the premise that the
provision of said service and the authorization to do business will promote public interest in a
proper and suitable manner;

b) Commission - refers to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC);

©) Franchise - refers to the privilege conferred upon a telecommunications entity by
Congress authorizing the said entity to engage in a certain type of telecommunications
service;

4) Mobile Telephone Number Portability - refers to the ability to transfer an existing mobile
telephone number assigned by a telephone service provider to another service provider;

©) Postpaid Mobile Account - refers to a model of mobile telephone service whereby the

customers or subscribers are charged for usage in the prior month. It is an account for which


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customers or subscribers are billed for their use of a service provider services on a monthly

basis, based on either the terms of a contract or on amount of services they have uses
f) Prepaid Mobile Account - refers to a model of mobile telephone service whereby
customers or subscribers are required to add a certain amount to their accounts prior to usage

and their maximum usage is limited to the amount that is added to the account. It is an

account for which credit is purchased in advance of service use;
8) Provisional Authority - refers to a temporary authority issued by the Commission to

operate a public telecommunications service.

SECTION 4. Mobile Telephone Number Portability - The Commission shall require all

mobile telephone service providers to provide consumers or mobile telephone subscribers the option

to retain their numbers in the following events:

a) Switching from one service provider to another: Provided, That the subscriber has duly
registered his name and mobile telephone number with the originating service provider;
Provided further, That the subscriber opting to switch to another mobile service provider
has no existing liability or outstanding obligations with the originating service provider:

b) Switching from a mobile postpaid account to a mobile prepaid account and vice versa:
Provided, That the subscriber has duly registered his name and mobile telephone number
with the service provider; Provided further, That the subscriber opting to switch from a
mobile prepaid account and vice versa has no existing liability or outstanding obligations

with the service provider.

SECTION 5. Funding. Provisions. - The Commission shall immediately hereinafter

include in the Commission's programs the prompt implementation of this Act, funding of which shall

be provided for in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause.- If any part or provision of this Act shall be held

unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof that are not affected thereby shall continue to

be in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules and regulations,

administrative or executive orders, and other presidential issuances inconsistent with this Act, are

hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in

at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,