The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has recently issued Memorandum Order No. 005-06-2025, which sets new and stricter guidelines on Value-Added Services (VAS) registration in the Philippines. If you’re a VAS provider, Internet Service Provider (ISP), or any tech-based business, this new rule directly affects you.
Let’s break down the most important parts of this memorandum in simple terms.
What is a Value-Added Service (VAS)?
Value-Added Services are any services that go beyond standard voice calls or data transmission, such as:
- SMS services
- Internet Access Services
- Mobile applications
- Subscription content
- Streaming services
- Online platforms providing added digital value
These services must be registered with the NTC to operate legally.
Section 1 – Registration and Coverage: Key Highlights
No Registration = No Operation
The NTC clearly states:
“No entity shall provide Value-Added Services without a valid Certificate of Registration (COR) issued by the Commission.”
This means ALL VAS providers must first get a Certificate of Registration (COR) from NTC before launching or continuing operations. Otherwise, you may face penalties or shutdowns.
Centralized Filing at the NTC Central Office
A major change introduced in this Memorandum is that all new applications, renewals, and modifications of VAS CORs must now be filed only through the Regulation Branch at the NTC Central Office.
What this means:
- New Applications: Only accepted at NTC’s Central Office through the Regulation Branch.
- Modifications and Renewals: No longer accepted at Regional Offices. These must also go through the Central Office.
This is meant to streamline and centralize the processing of VAS applications for better monitoring and standardization.
Who Can File the Application?
Only three types of applicants are allowed to submit documents:
- The business owner or applicant themselves;
- Their authorized employee (must have written authorization);
- Their legal counsel.
This means consultants or third-party agents who are not officially authorized cannot file on your behalf. The NTC is now very strict on accountability and transparency.
What About Renewals?
The memo clarifies that initial applications and modifications must be processed at the Central Office through the Regulation Branch. Likewise renewals of VAS CORs shall only be processed at the Central Office through the Regulation Branch of the Commission.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Operating a VAS without a valid COR can lead to:
- Immediate suspension of services;
- Fines and penalties;
- Legal action or investigation by NTC.
How Can Apsay Law Help You?
At Apsay Law Office, we offer full-service VAS Registration Assistance:
- Initial Consultation and Assessment – We check your eligibility and guide you step-by-step.
- Document Preparation – Includes Service Descriptions, Functional Block Diagram, and more.
- Compliance Guidance – We ensure your documents follow NTC’s technical standards.
- Application Filing – As your legal counsel, we can officially file on your behalf.
- Doorstep Delivery – Once approved, we deliver your COR directly to your business.
- Ongoing Reporting – We assist with VAS Monthly/Quarterly reports and other compliance requirements.
In Summary
NTC Memorandum Order No. 005-06-2025 is a clear step toward more organized and accountable regulation of digital services in the Philippines. While it may add an extra layer of procedure, it also ensures better service quality and industry legitimacy.
If you’re planning to register your VAS or renew your existing COR, don’t wait until the deadline. Let Apsay Law Office handle it professionally for you.
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