CHIZ:  ‘KONEKTADONG PINOY’ LAW TO CONNECT MORE FILIPINOS TO CHEAPER, INCLUSIVE INTERNET SERVICE

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero hailed the enactment of the “Konektadong Pinoy” law, describing it as a giant step toward bridging the digital divide in the country due to poor connectivity, prohibitive cost, and absence of infrastructure, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.

By easing the entry of new players into the data transmission or internet service industry, the Senate President is confident that the cost of connectivity in the country will go down significantly as “there will be greater competition and more choices for consumers” under the measure identified as one of the priority bills of the administration.

“The Philippines has one of the highest internet connectivity costs in the world considering the speeds it offers to consumers. But more than bringing down the rates, the Konektadong Pinoy Act is about providing greater access to information and markets to Filipinos who live far from the cities and in remote areas,” he said.

According to the Senate chief, the education sector stands to benefit the most from the law, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, where access to fast and affordable internet is critical.

“Mahal na, mabagal pa at hindi reliable,” the veteran legislator said referring to present state of internet service in the country. “At ang pinakamasaklap, ang mga lugar sa Pilipinas na matagal nang nagmamakaawa na magkaroon ng internet ay hindi pa din natutugunan hanggang ngayon.

It is about time that we empower Filipinos through greater access to information and connectivity.”

Supported by almost all sectors, including businesses—big and small and local and foreign—the measure is envisioned to help fulfill the digitalization goal of the Marcos administration.

Under the law, it is easier for smaller players to enter this market space without having to secure legislative franchises and yet able to tap into the existing infrastructures through the infrastructure sharing provision of the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

“We will see a faster rollout of long overdue internet connectivity services in every town and barrio in the Philippines, and hopefully our industry giants will support the implementation of the law and work with government as partners of growth and digital inclusivity for all Filipinos,” Senate President Escudero said.