THE PHILIPPINE Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a priority bill that seeks to make internet access more affordable by promoting fair competition in the data transmission industry.
With 17 yes votes, senators approved Senate Bill No. 2699 or the Konektadong Pinoy bill, which seeks to create a spectrum management policy framework to ensure fair competition, allow the system to adapt to tech advances and mandate the efficient use of data transmission frequencies.
“This bill ensures that no Filipino is left behind,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, one of the authors of the bill, told the Senate plenary. “Whether for education, business, government services, or disaster response, connectivity is a lifeline.”
“We believe that digital inclusion is essential for progress, and this bill is a key milestone in building a connected, empowered and future-ready Philippines,” he added.
Under the bill, the government must come up with a framework to prevent digital transmission monopolies.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) must plan and work with the Philippine Competition Commission to come up with incentives to entice investors in the sector.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which is under the DICT, must come up with regulations on the development, use and maintenance of satellite-based technologies.
A data transmission industry player may “deploy satellite technology and use associated spectrum in any or all segments of their broadband network without the need to go through lease or rent capacity,” according to a copy of the bill.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis N. Tolentino earlier introduced an amendment to the measure that would prioritize internet services for areas near educational institutions in unserved and underserved areas.
“This amendment will ensure equitable internet access across the country, particularly in those regions lacking sufficient infrastructure, thereby hindering economic growth, education and social inclusion,” he told the Senate floor.
Meanwhile, the Senate approved on second reading Senate Bill No. 890, which seeks to do away with obsolete government positions and empowers the President to scale down agencies under the Executive branch.
Under the bill, Congress, the Judiciary, constitutional commissions, the ombudsman and local governments may restructure their offices.
Affected state workers with five to 11 years of service will be entitled to half their monthly salary for every year of service.
“We want to reiterate the importance of passing a piece of legislation that will ultimately enhance the institutional capacity of our government agencies to improve public service delivery, while ensuring the welfare of millions of civil servants,” Mr. Villanueva said during plenary. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
