MANILA – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Friday called for the passage of the ‘Konektadong Pinoy Bill’ or the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill to strengthen the country’s internet infrastructure and enhance digital connectivity.
"NEDA supports the advocacy for the passage of the Open Access Bill, or its newest iteration, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill. This landmark legislation embodies our commitment to promoting fair competition and dismantling barriers to entry in the data transmission sector," Balisacan said in his speech during the “The Future of Philippine Connectivity” forum at the Novotel in Quezon City.
"It aims to reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos, especially those in unserved and underserved areas," he said.
Balisacan is hopeful that the proposed bill will be passed within this session of Congress, noting access to reliable internet services is no longer a luxury but a fundamental prerequisite for inclusive socioeconomic development.
Included in the list of Common Legislative Agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Committee, the bill was already passed by the House of Representatives and is currently being discussed in the Senate.
It aims to provide affordable internet access for every Filipino by enhancing market accessibility, upgrading physical and digital infrastructure, and enabling full participation of individuals and businesses in the digital economy.
A report released by the World Bank in January this year said the Philippines’ internet connectivity lags in affordability, speed and access, creating an uneven landscape for digital participation.
The World Bank's report also highlighted the need to pass the open access in data transmission noting that the "bill is a promising, viable start, among several proposals in Congress."
The report said policymakers can build on immediate reforms through the open access bill as an entry point to broader and medium- to longer-term digital connectivity agenda.
“In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards economic advancement. We cannot overstate enough the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICT) that have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives,” Balisacan said.
During the forum, NEDA Undersecretary Krystal Lyn Uy also highlighted that affordable and reliable high-speed internet is not just a ‘luxury’ but a lifeline to progress among Filipino households.
“We firmly believe that the Konektadong Pinoy Bill will help the country’s ICT sector meet the demands of the 21st century digital landscape by reforming the legal and regulatory framework for internet network infrastructure deployment and spectrum management. The passage of this bill is not merely about enhancing connectivity; it is about enhancing our economic resilience. By promoting infrastructure investment, we safeguard our digital assets and pave the way for sustainable growth,” Uy said. (PNA)
