THE National Telecommunications on Wednesday directed its Regulation Branch Director Imelda R. Walcien to investigate an “Emergency Alert” text blast indicating what appeared to be a message campaigning for one of the presidential candidates.
Pursuant to a memo signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, the NTC further ordered Director Walcien to submit her report and recommendations to the commission immediately upon completion of her investigation.
The Emergency Alert Short Message Service (SMS) is usually reserved for emergencies by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. But on Wednesday, an Emergency Alert text blast was received by several phone users announcing the presidential bid of former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, prompting an investigation from the NTC.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council denied disseminating messages that have nothing to do with weather disturbances. The NDRRMC, where the National Telecommunications Commission is a member, said the two bodies are already coordinating on the matter.