R.A. 11202 - An Act Requiring Mobile Service Providers To Provide Nationwide Mobile Number Portability To Subscribers

The Senate approved this Act on the third reading on November 13, 2018 and was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on February 8, 2019. It was principally sponsored by Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate Bill Number 1636 also known as "The Lifetime Cellphone Number Act". This Act provides mobile users with the option of keeping their existing mobile numbers even as they switch networks or mode of subscription services (from prepaid to postpaid, and vice versa). The bill accomplishes this by prohibiting Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) from locking-in mobile devices to their respective network, regardless whether the device is sold as a unit or under a service contract. Additionally, SBN 1636 also removes the interconnection charges being imposed by network companies for calls and text messages sent to numbers registered under competing networks. At present, users are charged with P2.50 per minute for calls and P0.15 for text messages to different networks. In 2016, these interconnection fees generated a total revenue of P3.2-billion for one telco giant. To ensure strict compliance with the pro-consumer provisions of the measure, SBN 1636 imposes strict penalties on PTEs for non-compliance. For the first offense, telecommunication companies shall be charged a fine between P100,000 to P300,000; for the second office, the fine will be from P400,000 up to P600,000. Subsequent offenses shall have a penalty of not less than P700,000 and up to P1-million, and shall result in the revocation of the telco company's franchise.

Beginning September 30, this Act will be implemented for the good of the cell phone users. Cell phone users don't have to change their numbers anymore even if they switch to another mobile service provider. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said telco companies committed to fully implement by this Republic Act No. 11202. NTC Deputy Director Engr. Edgardo Cabarios told in a Senate hearing January 27, 2021 that the measure's commercial launch was supposed to be within the first three months of 2021, but the Coronovirus pandemic has delayed all their plans. Telco giants Smart, Globe, and new player DITO earlier agreed to implement the porting platform. The firms formed a consortium called Telecommunications Connectivity, which will conduct an interoperability testing by June. Under this act, a cell phone owner may only have to send a so-called porting application if he/she wants to switch to another provider. This means that the cell phone owner can still retain his/her number for free. The measure also applies if the cell phone owner is switching from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa. Telcos also can't lock-in mobile devices to their own network.

Mobile Number Portability FAQ's

• What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

A global practice enables a mobile phone customer to keep their number even when they switch networks or change their subscription from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa, free of charge.

• Why is there a need for mobile number portability?

MNP can help promote consumer welfare by fostering the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plans.

• Will I be charged for porting request?

As stated in Republic Act 11202, porting will be free of charge.

• How frequently can I request to port my number?

The law states that 60 days should have lapsed from your last porting before making another request. 

• What types of porting can I do?

Porting involves two types, internal and external. Internal porting means moving only within your mother network and may take these forms:

        >    Postpaid going to prepaid
        >    Prepaid going to postpaid
        >    Globe Prepaid to TM and vice versa
        >    External porting means bringing your number from your mother                          network to an outside network or vice versa. The network where you're               coming from is called the originating network, while the network where               you’ll transfer to becomes the receiving network.

• When can I request for internal porting and what are the requirements?

For GLOBE:

Globe launched its internal porting last April 21.

To port within our network, you need to meet the following requirements:

• An active SIM or mobile number
• No financial obligations or remaining balances from your previous postpaid bill
  
• No porting request in the last 60 days
  
• No record of fraudulent activity

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• When can I request for external porting and what criteria should I meet?

The NTC said that by September 30, 2021, customers of Globe, Smart, and Dito can keep their mobile numbers when switching networks.

For GLOBE:

As stated by law, you should be able to port to Globe from another network when you meet the following criteria:

1. Have an active mobile number
2. Your mobile number shouldn’t be part of a bundled service or product
3. There must be no pending request for the transfer of ownership of your mobile subscription
4. Your mobile number must not have other accounts under your subscription
5. No porting request in the last 60 days
6. No fraudulent activity
7. No remaining balances from your previous postpaid bill or financial obligations
8. Your mobile number must not be linked to a device that is still locked with Globe. To learn more about unlocking of device, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/help/unlocking-mobile-phones.html.
9. Your mobile number must not be under any NTC, court or law prohibition.

At the very least, you should be able to submit these basic requirements:

- A valid unique subscriber code (USC)

- A government-issued ID

- Proof of ownership of your mobile number

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• What happens to my current subscriptions when I apply for mobile number porting?

All your current subscriptions, including prepaid load balance, rolled-over data, Value-Added Services (VAS) and other add-ons will automatically expire once your MNP application is approved and activated.

• When it's time, how do I apply for external porting and how long will the actual process take?

For GLOBE:

To switch, individual Globe customers may apply at Globe stores and Globe Online. Globe Business customers may apply through their Account Managers.

Those from other telcos may inquire about switching through their respective customer care channels.

There will be a maximum of four (4) hours of service interruption (no call, text or data) to complete the activation of your new subscription.

The overall porting process will take 48 hours after your application is approved, as illustrated in the image.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• Why did you get a mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP)?

We needed the expertise and capability of a service provider given the technical and operational complexity of porting services. The decision to get Syniverse Technologies was made by all telcos – Globe, PLDT/ Smart, and Dito – in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Syniverse Technologies LLC will serve as the bridging company between the telcos regarding porting. 

• Does this mean I'll go to Syniverse when I want to port, and not to my network?

The porting request should still be made to your mother network. The entire transaction will still be between your original network and the recipient network.

• What is the stand of telcos' on zero interconnection charges?

Interconnection fees are charges paid by your network to another network so your call or text to their network can be completed. 

The telcos are supportive of zero interconnection fees for the benefit of customers.

• Can I go directly to Syniverse when I want to port?

The porting request should still be made to your mother network. The entire transaction will still be between your original network and the recipient network.

• I heard from the news that all telcos have presented the pilot testing for external porting/switching to NTC; does this mean that we can now also apply for external porting/switching?

The telcos are one with the government in that they would like their customers to enjoy what's being practiced in other countries. The news about the pilot testing is to showcase to the NTC that the networks are working together to deliver this to their customers. As declared by the NTC, customers these telcos can keep their mobile numbers when switching networks by September 30, 2021.

The pilot testing aims to check if switching across the different networks can be done, check the technical readiness of all networks and secure initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, and identify possible improvements to the process in time for the September 30 commercial launch of mobile number switching.

The pilot testing isn't available to any customers as it's intended to iron out and fix business processes and technical issues prior to the commercial launch on September 30.

• How do I switch from non-Globe/TM to Globe Prepaid/TM?

You may switch your number to Globe Prepaid/TM in four easy steps:

1. Prepare your requirements. Make sure that you're out of contract and you have your Unique Subscriber Code (USC) on hand. To request for a USC, text USC to 5050 using your existing mobile number.
2. Fill out the application form at https://new.globe.com.ph/port-number. Make sure to complete all details required to switch your current number to Globe Prepaid/TM. We'll let you know if you're eligible to switch within 48 hours after submitting your application. 
3. Wait for your Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM. Once your application is approved, Globe will deliver your free MNP SIM (within 3 days for customers in Metro Manila, or within 7 days for customers everywhere else).
4. Activate your new Globe Prepaid/TM SIM. Enter your 6-digit Prepaid Porting Code after inserting your new Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM into your device. To enjoy your new service, make sure to download the New GlobeOne app!

• What is a Unique Subscriber Code?

The Unique Subscriber Code (USC) is a 9-digit code which can be requested via text, will initially check if your mobile number is eligible for switching, and it’s valid for fifteen (15) days from date of issuance.

• Do I need a new SIM when I switch to other telco?

For GLOBE:

Yes, you'll need to order a Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM in order to enjoy Globe Prepaid and TM services.

You may order a Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM here. Globe will deliver your MNP SIM once your application gets approved.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• What is a Prepaid Porting Code?

The Prepaid Porting Code is a 6-digit code that you will receive via text or email after your switching application has been approved.

• How will my MNP SIM be activated? How long is the activation process?

For GLOBE:

Just insert your Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM and enter the Prepaid Porting Code. Your SIM will be activated and your signal will switch to Globe within 4 hours.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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BDRRMC Functions

 1. Set the directions, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs within the barangay;

2. Design, program and coordinate disaster risk reduction and management  activities consistent with the national Council's standards and guidelines;

3. Facilitate and support risk assessments and contingency planning activities at the local level;

4. Consolidate local disaster risk information which includes natural hazards, vulnerabilities, and climate change risks, and maintain a local risk map;

5. Organize and conduct training, orientation and knowledge management activities on disaster risk reduction at the local level;

6. Operate a multi-hazard and early warning system, linked to disaster risk reduction to provide accurate and timely advice to national or local emergency response organizations and to the general public, through diverse mass media, particularly radio, landline communications, and technologies for communications within rural communities;

7. Formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated Disaster risk reduction and management program in accordance with the national, regional, and provincial framework, and policies on disaster risk reduction in close coordination with the local development councils;

8. Prepare and submit to the sanggunian through the DRRMC and the LDC the annual DRRMO Plan and Budget, the proposed programming of the DRMMF, other dedicated disaster risk reduction and  management resources, and other regular funding source/s and budgetary support of the BDRRMC;

9. Conduct continuous disaster monitoring and mobilize instrumentalities and entities of the LGU's, CO's private groups and organized volunteers, to utilize their facilities and resources for the protection and preservation of life and properties of during emergencies in accordance with existing policies and procedures;

10. Identify, asses and manage the hazards vulnerabilities and risks that may occur in their locality;

11. Disseminate information and raise and public awareness about those hazards, vulnerabilities and risk, their nature, effect, early warning signs and counter measures;

12. Identify and implement cost-effective risk reduction measures / strategies;

13. Maintain a database of human resource, equipment, directories and location of critical infrastructures and their capacities such as hospitals and evacuation centers;

14. Develop strengthen and operationalize mecahnisms for partnership or networking with the private sector, CSOs and volunteer groups;

15. Take all necessary steps on a continuing basis to maintain provide, or arrange the provision of, or otherwise make available, suitably-trained and competent personnel for effective civil defense and disaster risk reduction management in its area;

16. Organize, train, equip and supervise the local emergency response teams and the ACDVs, ensuring that the humanitarian aid workers are equipped with basic skills to assist mothers to breastfeed;

17. Respond to and manage the adverse effects of emergencies and carry out recovery activities in the affected area, ensuring that there is an efficient mechanism for immediate delivery of food, shelter and medical supplies for women and children, endeavor to create a special where internally displaced mothers can find help with breastfeeding, feed and care for their babies and give support to each other;

18. Promote and raise public awareness of and compliance with Republic Act 10121

19. Serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the BDRRMC;

20. Coordinate other disaster risk reduction and management activities;

21. Establish linkage / network with other local governments for disaster risk reduction and emergency response purposes;

22. Recommed through the DRRMC the enactment of a local ordinance in furtherance of the mandate of Republic Act 10121;

23. Implement policies approved plans and programs of the DRRMC;

24. Establishment a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center;

25. Prepare and submit through the DRRMC and the LDC the report on the utilization of the LDRRM Fund and other dedicated disaster risk reduction and management resources to the local Commission on Audit (COA), copy furnished the regional director of the OCD and the Local Government Operations Officer of the DILG;

26. Act on other matters that may be authorized by the DRRMC; and Perform other related responsibilities as may be assigned by law or competent authorities.

The PUNONG BARANGAY

 According to R. A. 7160 or the "Local Government Code of 1991" Section 389 states that the PUNONG BARANGAY is the Chief Executive as a barangay official. As Chief Executive of the barangay government, its Powers, Duties, and Functions are:

a) The Punong Barangay shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions, as provided by this Code and other laws.

b) For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose of which is the general welfare of the Barangay and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code, the Punong Barangay shall:

(a) Enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the Barangay;

(b) Negotiate, enter into, and sign contracts for and in behalf of the Barangay, upon authorization of the Sangguniang Barangay;

(c) Maintain public order in the Barangay and, in pursuance thereof, assist the city or municipal mayor and the sanggunian members in the performance of their duties and functions;

(d) Call and preside over the sessions of the Sangguniang Barangay and the Barangay assembly, and vote only to break a tie;

(e) Upon approval by a majority of all the members of the Sangguniang Barangay, appoint or replace the Barangay treasurer, the Barangay secretary, and other appointive Barangay officials;

(f) Organize and lead an emergency group whenever the same may be necessary for the maintenance of peace and order or on occasions of emergency or calamity within the Barangay;

(g) In coordination with the Barangay development council, prepare the annual executive and supplemental budgets of the Barangay;

(h) Approve vouchers relating to the disbursement of Barangay funds;

(i) Enforce laws and regulations relating to pollution control and protection of the environment;

(j) Administer the operation of the Katarungang PamBarangay in accordance with the provisions of this Code;

(k) Exercise general supervision over the activities of the Sangguniang Kabataan;

(l) Ensure the delivery of basic services as mandated under Section 17 of this Code;

(m) Conduct an annual palarong Barangay which shall feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports;

(n) Promote the general welfare of the Barangay; and 

(o) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. 

c) In the performance of his peace and order functions, the Punong Barangay shall be entitled to possess and carry the necessary firearm within his territorial jurisdiction, subject to appropriate rules and regulations.  

Baguio City Social Welfare Unit Offices In Barangays

There are six unit offices in Baguio City, to wit:

1. Pacdal Unit Office at Wright Park, Lualhati barangay in front of Rizal Elementary to serve Cabinet Hill with a population of 3,444; Country Club, 1833; Engineer’s Hill, 1,947; Upper General Luna, 1,495; Lower General Luna, 617; Gibraltar, 7,613; Lualhati, 1,087; Lucnab, 2,120; Marcoville, 821; Mines View, 1,409; Outlook Drive, 1,905; Pacdal, 6,918; Pucsusan, 711; St. Joseph Village, 4,397; Salud Mitra, 1,742; Holy Ghost Ext., 3,032; Holy Ghost Proper, 1,954; Imelda Village, 1,889; Manuel Roxas, 921; DPS, 1,121; Session Road, 121; Malcolm Square, 31; Greenwater Village, 1,724;  South Drive, 311; and Happy Hallow,2, 570;

2. Scout Barrio Unit Office at Old Police Sub-Station, Scout Barrio to serve ApuganLoakan 2,887; Atok Trail, 1,550; Military Cut-Off,  2,245; Camp 7, 10,969; Upper Dagsian, 683; Fort Del Pilar, 3,068; Hillside, 1,562; Kias, 5,992; Loakan Proper, 10,189; Lower Dagsian, 1,391; Sta. Scolastica, 1,337; Scout Barrio, 1,408; Camp 8, 2,536; Gabriela Silang, 3,041; Loakan Liwanag, 3,554; Puliwes, 3,254;

3. Bakakeng Unit Office at Bakakeng Central Barangay Hall to serve Bakakeng Central, 9,218; Bakakeng Norte/Sur, 8,780; Balsigan, 2,169; BGH Compound, 1,480; San Vicente, 5,062; Sto. Rosario, 1,687; Sto. Tomas School Area, 1,256; Sto. Tomas Proper, 7,058; Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, 670; Imelda Marcos, 1,106; Dontogan, 5,152; Ferdinand, 1,723; Harrison-Claudio, 273; Phil-Am, 414; Rizal Monument, 131; SLU-SVP, 1,949; Dominican Mirador, 4,810; Kabayanihan, 116; AZKCO, 344; Quirino Magsaysay, 2776;

4. Kayang Youth Home Unit Office at 3rd Floor Evacuation Center, Motorpool, City Camp (In Front Of City Engineering Office) to serve Asin Road, 13,145; Campo Filipino, 1,321; City Camp Central, 2,024; City Camp Proper, 1,447; Fairview, 8,429; Lourdes Subd. Ext.,1,263; Lourdes Subdivision Lower, 245; General Emilio F. Aguinaldo (GEFA), 1,982; MRR Queen of Peace, 2,206; Lower Rock Quarry, 1,489; San Luis Village, 7,529; San Roque Village, 878; Upper Rock Quarry, 1,708; Victoria Village, 3,101; Lourdes Subd. Proper, 686; Palma Urbano, 1,003; Middle Rock Quarry, 1,310; Upper Quezon Hill, 2,659; Quezon Hill Proper, 1,464; Middle Quezon Hill, 3,438; Kayang Extension, 1,592; Camp Allen, 2,417; BagongLipunan (Market Area), 28; Upper Market Subdivision, 1,028; Kayang Hilltop, 147;

5. Kayang Youth Home Unit Office at 2nd Floor, Kayang Youth Home and Family Resource Center to serve Cresencia Village, 1,881; Guisad Central, 2,424; Guisad Surong, 1,679; Pinsao Pilot Project, 4,520; East Quirino Hill, 3,654; Lower Quirino Hill, 2,123; Middle Quirino Hill, 2,635; West Quirino Hill, 1,708; Pinsao Proper, 6,903; Irisan, 30,507; Pinget, 6,918; Andres Bonifacio, 1,307; Dizon Subdivision, 1,712; and

6. Aurora Hill Unit Office at Senior Citizen Center, Bayan Park, Aurora Hill (Near Police Station 6) to serve Ambiong, 2,525; Bayan Park Village, 837; East Bayan Park, 1,125; Leonila Hill/West Bayan Park, 1,526; San Antonio Village, 1,547; South Central Aurora Hill, 959; North Central Aurora Hill, 386; Aurora Hill Proper, 822; Brookside, 2,216; Brookspoint, 2,048; Lopez Jaena, 1,304; East Modern Site, 2,887; West Modernsite, 1,060; Honeymoon-Holy Ghost, 3,316; Alfonso Tabora, 2,079; Magsaysay Private Road, 999; New Lucban, 3,305; North Sanitary Camp, 2,891; South Sanitary Camp, 2,054; Trancoville, 3,239; Happy Homes Old Lucban, 1,477; Upper Magsaysay, 152; Lower Magsaysay, 1,112; Sto. Nino/Slaughter, 2,214; Kagitingan, 151; Padre Burgos, 2,910; Padre Zamora, 2,513; T. Alonzo, 1,090; Camdas Subd.,1,523; and ABCR, 1,697.

President Duterte's Proposed 0 to 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda

President Rodrigo Duterte and his economic managers presented the administration’s economic agenda dubbed as “DuterteNomics” at the recently-concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Cambodia, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia underscored the importance of peace and order in order for the economy to thrive.

“It’s not a 10-point agenda. To remember this, it’s a zero to 10-point agenda, socio-economic agenda and the zero is precisely peace and order,” Pernia said.

“Fighting criminality, fighting corruption, fighting smuggling and peace and order. And that’s because zero is the origin of the 1 to 10 points socio-economic agenda. It’s the bedrock that has to be addressed and this is what the President had been harping on during the campaign as well as now,” he added.

“President Duterte is addressing that main bedrock of the 10-point economic agenda so that the [agenda] can materialize. Without this bedrock, then it will be difficult for the economy to thrive and flourish and for the country to prosper,” according to Pernia, also director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority. Here’s the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda:

1. Continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, including fiscal, monetary and trade policies.

2. Institute progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection, indexing taxes to inflation.

3. Increase competitiveness and the ease of doing business. This effort will draw upon successful models used to attract business to local cities.

4. Accelerate annual infrastructure spending to account for 5 percent of GDP, with Public-Private Partnerships playing a key role.

5. Promote rural and value chain development toward increasing agricultural and rural enterprise productivity and rural tourism.

6. Ensure security of land tenure to encourage investments and address bottlenecks in land management and titling agencies.

7. Invest in human capital development, including health and education systems, and match skills and training to meet the demand of businesses and the private sector.

8. Promote science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity toward self-sustaining, inclusive development.

9. Improve social protection programs, including the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, to protect the poor against instability and economic shocks.

10. Strengthen implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law to enable especially poor couples to make informed choices on financial and family planning.

Bayanihan 3 Law Proposed

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has filed a bill proposing a Bayanihan 3 that would provide an amount of P420-billion to fund the country's recovery amid the economic chaos caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaker Velasco and Marikina City 2nd District Representative Stella Luz Quimbo filed on February 4, 2021 the House Bill (HB) No. 8628, or the proposed “Bayanihan to Arise As One Act” or Bayanihan 3.

About 115 members of major political parties and blocs in the House have expressed their support and signified intent to co-author the said bill, Velasco said in a statement on Sunday. 

 He said the two previous Bayanihan Laws were “not sufficient for the genuine economic recovery of the country.”

Velasco, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, noted that the Philippine economy contracted by 9.5 percent in 2020 has the worst performance in the nation’s post-war history.

He added this is significantly worse than the predicted contraction of 4.5 to 6.6 percent, which was the basis of the Development Budget Coordination Committee for the 2021 National Expenditure Program.

 “Given that actual economic output in 2020 was far below what was assumed for budget purposes, and further losses may still be incurred as the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to prevail well into the current fiscal year, an additional economic stimulus package is needed to help the government meet its recovery targets for the year,” Velasco pointed out.

The breakdown of the proposed P420-billion appropriation under Bayanihan 3:

- 52 billion for subsidies to small business for wages and other worker-related expenses

- P100 billion for the capacity-building of businesses in critically impacted sectors

- P108 billion for additional social amelioration to impacted households through programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development

- P70 billion for the provision of assistance and capacity-building to farmers, livestock producers and fishermen

- P30 billion for the implementation of unemployment assistance and cash-for-work programs under the Department of Labor and Employment

- P30 billion for internet allowances to primary, secondary and tertiary students and teachers in public and private educational institutions

- P5 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the rehabilitation of typhoon-affected areas, including the repair, reconstruction and/or construction of flood control works, roads, bridges, public buildings and other damaged public works, to be distributed proportionately among affected provinces and cities

- P25 billion to the Department of Health for the procurement of COVID-19 medication and vaccines, and to finance logistics, information awareness campaigns, and other related operational expenses

Velasco also pointed out that household consumption has significantly declined, contributing as much as 5.7 percent to the total 9.5 percent annual reduction in output in 2020.

 “Government must therefore take the lead to promote business and consumer confidence and social welfare. Increased, well-targeted spending is a vital step to achieving these goals,” he said.

In November last year, Quimbo also filed her own bill for Bayanihan 3, House Bill No. 8031, which will allot another P400 billion to aid in the country’s economic recovery. 

Another Bayanihan 3 bill, House Bill No. 8059, was also filed last year by Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, and AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin. 

- Inquirer