𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 – Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has instructed the City Legal Office to examine the possibility of compelling telecommunication companies to provide refunds to consumers who were impacted by recent internet service disruptions along JM Basa Street in Iloilo City Proper.
The disruptions are linked to the ongoing clearing operations after the city’s mandate for telecom companies to relocate their overhead lines underground, in line with the city’s underground cabling ordinance passed in 2023. Despite the extended timeframe given to telecom companies, the relocation project has yet to be completed, resulting in the inclusion of these lines in the current city clearing efforts.
Telecommunication companies had assured the Iloilo City Engineers Office that live wires being cleared would not cause prolonged disruptions, as they promised to quickly restore internet service. However, residents have expressed frustration over the ongoing interruptions.
In response, Mayor Treñas issued a statement:
“I have been informed that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has stepped in to restore internet connectivity to government offices around Plaza Libertad that have been affected by these disruptions. We appreciate the DICT’s initiative, but we recognize that this is not a permanent solution. We call on telecom companies to expedite the restoration of their services.”
He further emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“Considering the inconvenience this has caused; I have directed the City Legal Office to look into the possibility of requiring telecom companies to issue refunds to consumers for the days their internet services were disrupted. Internet connectivity is essential for work, education, and daily life. Our residents deserve uninterrupted service, and the City Government will pursue all necessary legal steps to protect consumers and ensure they are fairly compensated for the disruption.”
Mayor Treñas reassured the public that the city remains committed to resolving the issue and ensuring better service for Iloilo City residents.
– 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗻
