House Resolution No. 946 calls for government agencies to collaborate and consult with LGUs to iron out the delays in the implementation of the common tower policy.
As part of the month-long observance of the National ICT Month this June, DICT regional clusters have lined up free webinars aimed at preparing individuals in transitioning to the “new normal”.
Resigned DICT undersecretary Eliseo M. Rio took to social media to throw a subtle dig at the man who replaced him at the agency – former presidential adviser for ICT Ramon “RJ” Jacinto.
Presidential adviser for ICT Ramon “RJ” Jacinto had earlier clashed with the man he replaced at the DICT – resigned undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. -- regarding the government’s common tower policy.
Given the increasing role of Internet in communications especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, a member of the House of Representatives is pushing the government and local telcos to bring a minimum of “4G, 30Mbps” mobile speed in the provinces.
Despite the controversy generated by his offer to quit, it was generally assumed that DICT undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. would remain in his post after patching up his differences with DICT secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II regarding the agency’s disbursement of its P300-million confidential funds.
A lawmaker said the ancient manual sign-up method would be burdensome on both the drivers and commuters, aside from exposing them to identity thieves, stalkers, and other privacy violators.
A Senate resolution noted the DICT has not been meeting its targets. In 2018, the agency targeted to add 5,308 sites in 1,500 cities. But as of April 13, 2020, there are only 3,707 live hotspots across the country's public spaces.
The Covid Action Network, made up of 67 organizations and 38 individuals and youth groups, has sent proposals to the government aimed at expanding Internet coverage and helping ease broadband network rollout.
