Nancy Calls for Suspension of Php50 Charge for Paper Billing

Senator Nancy Binay called for the suspension of the PhP50.00 telecommunications companies charge subscribers for the delivery of their billing statements.

In a letter to National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Binay requested the commission to stop indefinitely the collection of the fee.

“This is to request your good office for the indefinite suspension of the PhP50.00 being charged to postpaid subscribers by telecommunication companies regarding their paperless billing on the ground that it is against R.A. 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines,” Binay said.

“Under article 2 of R.A. 7394, it is the duty of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Towards this end, the state shall implement measures to achieve the protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices,” she added.

The lady senator also urged credit card companies to refrain from charging their customers a fee for paper billing.

“Nakarating din po sa akin na may charge rin ang mga credit card companies sa mga customers nila na gusto ng paper billing. Sana ay itigil muna nila ito habang tinitingnan natin kung naaayon ba ito Consumer Act,” she said.

Binay filed Senate Resolution No. 521 calling for an investigation into the additional PhP50 charged by Globe Telecommunications Incorporated and PLDT Incorporated to subscribers who refused to go paperless.

“Ipagpalagay na natin, kasi 2.5 million subscribers ng postpaid. Ipagpalagay natin na 20 percent lang, let’s say na 500,000 ang hindi nag-enroll sa paperless, additional na 25 million in revenues for the telco,” Binay previously said.

She added that it would be better for telcos to incentivize their consumers to go paperless instead of penalizing those who would want to receive a paper bill.

“Magandang tignan na baka mas maganda na imbes na i-charge nila sa consumer, bakit hindi na lang nila bigyan ng incentive in the form of a rebate. Baka kapag nag-enroll ka diyan, mayroon kang less P20 doon sa bill mo or may additional points ka sa rewards system nila. Baka mas maganda na ganoon. Bakit pinaparusahan ang consumer?” Binay said.

senate.gov.ph