A major piece of legislation aimed at improving internet access across the Philippines, the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill, has finally lapsed into a law. This happened automatically because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not veto it by the deadline.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed the development. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated on Saturday, August 23, that the bill “will lapse into law.” The legislative deadline for presidential action is Sunday, August 24.
The Konektadong Pinoy program is designed to make it easier to build internet infrastructure. Its main goals are to simplify the licensing process, encourage companies to share infrastructure like cell towers, and, most importantly, allow new and smaller companies to invest in building internet networks without first getting a legislative franchise from Congress. Supporters of the bill argue that the franchise requirement is outdated and unique to the Philippines, and that it slows down development.
This reform was previously listed as an urgent priority by President Marcos. It is intended to help bring internet services to tens of thousands of barangays that currently have little or no connectivity.
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from the country’s major telecommunications companies. These incumbent players argue that the new rules put them at a disadvantage. They are concerned that new competitors could use their existing assets and enter their markets without undergoing the same rigorous franchise and cybersecurity clearance processes. The issue is so contentious that business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan has suggested the possibility of a legal challenge.
With the bill becoming a law, the focus will shift to the next step: crafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Secretary Aguda noted that the major telcos have agreed to participate in creating these rules, which will determine how the law actually works in real life.
Source: Inquirer