By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Senator Cynthia Villar, who was in Negros Occidental over the weekend, denied applying as the third telecommunications operator in the country.

The revelation comes after a top official from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated the Villar-owned Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc. expressed interest in filing the third telco slot.

In a press conference, Villar explained, her son has a business franchise involving cable and internet connection exclusive for their subdivision properties.

“That is what he applied the franchise for, we are not applying for the third telco slot,” Villar clarified.

Villar said her son’s aim is to provide connectivity services to their homeowners.

Based on a report by GMA News, acting DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio, Jr. said Streamtech expressed interest, but they would have to look for a foreign partner with at least 10 years experience in the nationwide telecommunications business.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier signed a law granting Streamtech a franchise to operate and maintain telecommunications system in the country for 25 years./DGB, WDJ