A measure allowing mobile phone users to retain their numbers even when switching network providers has hurdled third and final reading at the House of Representatives.
Members of the lower chamber overwhelmingly approved House Bill 7652 or the “Mobile Number Portability Act” with 216 affirmative votes, zero negative and no abstention.
The bill also allows subscribers to switch from postpaid to prepaid subscription or vice-versa without having to change their mobile numbers.
All public telecommunications entity will be required to provide mobile number portability (MNP) to all qualified subscribers free of charge.
The bill, meanwhile, requires that subscribers have duly-registered their names and mobile phone numbers with the originating service provider and have no existing liability or outstanding obligations with the originating service provider.
Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, one of the authors of the measure, said enactment of the bill deters the proliferation of scammers and will truly benefit subscribers who want to avail of mobile services that fit their needs and offer the best quality.
“This will truly benefit subscribers who want to avail of mobile services that fit their needs and offer the best quality.”
Velasco said the bill provides a clear mobile identity to prevent scammers from hiding their fraudulent activities and bogus text promos or offers to unsuspecting subscribers.
“The bill provides a clear mobile identity to prevent scammers from hiding their fraudulent activities and bogus text promos or offers to unsuspecting subscribers.”
The Senate has already approved its own version of the bill on third and final reading.
