Philippines govt boosts cybersecurity ahead of China telecom entry

The Philippines is beefing up cybersecurity measures in advance of the expected entry of Chinese firms in its telecoms industry. Amid concerns that national security could be at risk, several senators have spoken out about allowing state-run Chinese firms to build and manage crucial internet and telecoms systems. “The government is already worried,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Thursday. Regulators had been ordered to take all measures to protect the cybersecurity with the likely entry of China Telecom Corp, Reuters quoted Roque as saying. President Rodrigo Duterte last month offered Beijing a chance to challenge the dominant carriers PLDT and Globe Telecom. A third telecoms player could start operations in the first quarter next year, to break a duopoly and boost competition and service quality.