Groups of physicians as well as cybersecurity and data protection professionals have expressed their support for the Konektadong Pinoy bill, which aims to open the data transmission market to more competition and improve Internet services in the county.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) reiterated on Tuesday, July 1, the importance of legislation which will promote competition such as the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill.
The Philippine Communications and Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) stated that while it supports the current administration’s push for a faster and more affordable Internet access, the proposed law in “its current form risks creating more problems than it solves.”
ULAP said the bill will narrow the digital divide within the Philippines, adding that access to reliable and affordable data transmission services is essential for LGUs to bridge the technological gap, bolster financial inclusion, enhance literacy, and promote economic growth.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), a group composed of the country’s biggest telcos, and Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA), an association of cable TV and Internet service providers, issued contrasting statements on Monday, April 7, regarding the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill.
On March 28 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center, leaders from government, business, ICT industry, civil society, and consumer groups converged to call on Congress to act on the Konektadong Pinoy (Open Access in Data Transmission) Bill when session resumes on June 2.
The passage of the proposed legislation, which is also known as Open Data Access bill, was fast-tracked after it was certified as urgent by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Local stakeholders have called on the Senate to immediately pass the bill in the remaining session days of the 19th Congress after Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s certified the legislation as urgent last Jan. 27.
