A broad coalition of Philippine Business Groups, Joint Foreign Chambers, industry associations, and civil society organizations have issued a joint call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to certify as urgent the proposed Open Access in Data Transmission Act, also known as the “Konektadong Pinoy” Act.
The coalition, which includes the 10 signatories of a 2023 Joint Statement of Support for Open Access, emphasizes the critical need to upgrade the nation’s broadband infrastructure to ensure all Filipinos can participate in the digital age.
The proposed bill aims to stimulate investment in broadband infrastructure by simplifying the registration and qualification process for Internet providers, streamlining permits, and expanding access to radio spectrum, particularly in rural areas. It also seeks to modernize outdated policies that have hampered Internet connectivity in the country.
“Given these transformative reforms, we request swift action to ensure the passage of this landmark legislation under the Marcos Administration,” the coalition stated in a July 2024 joint statement.
The urgency of the bill is underscored by its inclusion in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aligning with President Marcos’s digitalization goals. The bill has consistently received approval from the House of Representatives since the 17th Congress and is now awaiting Senate deliberations.
Support for the bill has also come from various influential bodies, including the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the World Bank. These institutions highlight the bill’s potential to enhance economic growth, improve financial inclusion, and reduce costs in the telecommunications sector.
Research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) further supports the bill’s potential to boost digital connectivity, particularly in underserved communities.
“We, the signatories, believe that the proposed Open Access in Data Transmission Act is the key to unlocking the potential of a more digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and prosperous country. We therefore urge the President to champion the bill that will transform the Philippines into a truly #BayangDigital,” the coalition declared.