Major Events of 2001
Following the events of EDSA TWO, the new administration under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo heralded a significant shift of priorities for the NTC. Global competitiveness, convergence, synergy, and technological capability - these immediately became the concerns of a 21st century that was on a fast-track towards change and a more compact, intertwined global village.

New Management Team:

The appointment of Eliseo M. Rio Jr., a highly decorated retired general and former head of the AFP Com-El group, as the new NTC Commissioner. His numerous awards include: the Presidential Citation for Outstanding Scientific Achievement (1975) for the development of a Laser Short-Distance Measuring Device; the Outstanding Scientific Achievement Medal for research and development breakthroughs, resulting in the widespread use of alcohol and charcoal as primary fuel for internal combustion engines, windmills, and solar energy; and the Distinguished Service Medal for work done as the Defense and Armed Forces Attache in Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia (1992-1995) resulting in closer ties between the Armed Forces of Malaysia and the Philippines.

Eliseo Rio is supported by two deputies who are both NTC career personnel:

Deputy Commissioner Kathleen C. Heceta, an NTC veteran  who served as the Head of the  legal Department prior to her current post. Her election as President of the Council of the 189-States-membership of the International Telecommunications  Union (ITU) may prove essential as the country marches into globalization and faces  the challenge of a rapidly changing information and communications environment. She is a career executive officer.

Deputy Commissioner Armi Jane R. Borje, whose considerable legal experience in  broadcast industries included serving as National Board Secretary, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkasters sa  Pilipinas (2001); the latter’s Chairperson, Legal Committee (2000); and the legal officer of the ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. (1997-2000).

"Oks na Oks sa DOTC:" The NTC is revitalized and reorganized as a lean-and-mean team answering the concerns of tile industry the service providers, and the consumers as efficiently and quickly as possible. O stands for Organisado (Organization), K for Kalinisan (Cleanliness and/or Efficiency), and S for Seguridad (Security). Just to cite a few of its  accomplishments:

•  the One-Stop Public Assistance Center (OSPAC): established in the NTC Central and Regional Offices; it accepts all forms of consumer complaints, especially malicious text messaging, and takes the necessary action; to date, 686 warnings have been issued from the same number of complaints, and 16 cell phones were blocked due to reports of theft

•  action plans intend to address recurring problems in text messaging

•  mobilization of NCR inspection teams to monitor capability of CMTS to serve subscriptions sold

•  reduced processing time commitments especially for frontline services and licensing of permits as well as other important papers

•  paper volume reduction program

•  computerization programs aimed to modernize the NTC.

•  round-the-clock security service, including guards equipped with bomb and metal detectors, at NTC central and regional offices


Republic Act No. 8792 or the E-Commerce Act: mandates all government agencies to cause the installation of an electronic online network in accordance with Administrative Order 332 and Houe Resolution 890 or the RP Web.

  • creation of the NTC website (www.ntc.gov.ph) to initially serve as the Commission's information basket

    Task Force Mayo: created in response to situations affecting the public and the national interest, monitoring activities and developments in communications and broadcasts in Metro Manila and the regions, implementing necessary action plans as the situation requires

    Memorandum of Agreement with the United States Agency for International Development: will develop a program of technical and training cooperation aimed at restructuring and stregthening telecom regulatory processes

  • main subjects include: Introduction of Pricing Reforms, Development of Proxy Pricing Methodology, Promotion of Universal access, Development of an Improved Regulatory Framework for Communications and Information Technology

    Confirmation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) forged between the NTC rank and file employees and management and concretized the establishment of the NTC's Employees Union.

    Observance of the 101th Civil Service Year and the drawing of the NTC Service Pledge (in English and Pilipino) emanating from the NTC Employees Union (EMPLU) now recited at every Monday's Flag Raising Ceremony.


    Gender and Development (GAD) Empowerment: In line with the government's program for gender empowerment, the NTC, upon invitation, made a presentation on Women at NTC Workplace at ITU's Global Regulatory Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland, December 2001.