Congress has significantly increased the funding for the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, allocating a budget of PHP7.5 billion for 2025 — three times the previous year’s P2.5 billion. The initiative aims to establish up to 50,000 password-free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, according to Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr.
“In the 2025 General Appropriations Law, we earmarked P7.5 billion for the Free Wi-Fi for All Program. This amount is three times the P2.5-billion allocation for the program in 2024,” according to Campos, who serves as vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations.
The program focuses on improving internet access for Filipinos, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Campos highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing access to online learning, distance education, and government training services that could create new employment and livelihood opportunities in rural communities.
Push for Faster Internet Speeds
Campos also renewed his call for Congress to pass a law mandating private telecommunications companies (telcos) to provide faster mobile internet speeds. He emphasized that slow internet speeds hinder productivity and the country’s digital progress.
Campos is running for Makati mayor in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, while his wife, Mayor Abby Binay, seeks a Senate seat.
The Philippines’ average mobile internet speed, according to Ookla’s December 2024 Global Speedtest Index, remains at 36.36 Mbps, lagging behind regional peers like Thailand (65.47 Mbps), Vietnam (86.96 Mbps), and Singapore (129.13 Mbps).
Internet as a Basic Right
Campos has also been advocating for House Bill No. 10215, which seeks to reclassify high-speed internet as a basic telecommunications service. This change would empower the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to impose minimum speed targets for telcos and levy fines of up to PHP1 million per day for non-compliance.
The proposed measures aim to ensure equitable access to reliable Internet for all Filipinos while driving economic and educational opportunities in underserved communities.