35 groups call for signing of Konektadong Pinoy bill

Thirty five organizations on Wednesday called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to approve the Open Access in Data Transmission measure, also known as Konektadong Pinoy bill in the face of aggressive lobbying for a Presidential veto, noting that the issues raised against the bill are “unfounded.”

“In light of the call by certain groups to veto the bill, we would like to reiterate our request to the President to approve Konektadong Pinoy and why the Philippines needs this law,” the organizations said in a joint statement.

“We, the undersigned organizations, express our full support and call for the immediate enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy bill. We believe this landmark legislation will democratize internet access, which could potentially be this administration’s greatest legacy,” they added.

The groups dismissed claims that Konektadong Pinoy will endanger national security, as the bill asks network providers to comply with cybersecurity measures based on internationally organized standards.

“It mandates a cybersecurity performance audit and makes this a requirement for continuing operation and license renewal. Konektadong Pinoy also disallows foreign government-controlled and state-owned enterprises from operating data transmission networks,” they said.

“Finally, the bill requires that national security be taken into consideration in interconnection and access to infrastructure,” they added.

The 35 organizations said that the bill, which was ratified by the Congress on June 9, will “free Filipinos from the shackles of poor internet.”

“The Philippines has been lagging behind on internet connectivity not only in Asia but in the whole world. Latest data shows that 19,000 barangays (or 45.5% of all barangays nationwide) still lack internet access,” the statement read.

Citing the World Bank, the groups said that inequality in internet access makes Filipinos unequipped for digital jobs.

“The growing digital divide makes e-commerce, e-government, online learning, and artificial intelligence virtually inaccessible to millions of Filipinos and disadvantaged sectors,” the groups added.

The groups also see the landmark bill to reduce internet cost as it will enable smaller providers to build infrastructure and offer internet services in their communities.

In 2022, the Philippines was cited as the “most internet poor” in Southeast Asia, as over 50 million potential users could not afford basic internet packages; the Philippines has since surpassed Laos and Timor-Leste.

The bill is also seen as a “decisive step toward dismantling barriers in the data transmission industry.”

“Outdated and restrictive laws have made it cumbersome and costly for small players, such as cable operators and community internet service providers, as well as new and emerging players, to build and expand broadband networks,” the organizations said.

“Konektadong Pinoy will change the status quo by promoting competition and stimulating the market and encouraging investment even in the rural barangays,” they added.

The groups said that the bill should be approved as it has been “thoroughly vetted by Congress and the Executive.”

“The bill has undergone rigorous scrutiny, almost 10 years of deliberations, and various improvements through three Congresses,” they said.

“The strong backing from key stakeholders, including established and reputable organizations from major sectors, is proof that the bill is truly responsive to the urgent digital needs of the country,” they added.

The signatories to the joint statement include industry groups such as the Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance.PH, Internet and Technology Association of the Philippines, Inc., Maharlika Internet Exchange, National Confederation of the Philippines, and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc.

Foreign chambers such as American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc., and Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. also signed the statement.

The Chief Information Officers Forum, Inc., CIO Forum Foundation, Inc., National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Councilors League, and Provincial Health Officers Association of the Philippines, Inc. are also signatories to the statement.

Tech organizations such as Asia Open RAN Academy, Cebu Python Users Group, League of Goal Oriented Information and Communications Technology Officers, Inc., MozillaPH, Philippine Institute of Cyber Security Professionals, Unconnected.org, the University of the Philippines Computer Science Guild, User Experience Philippines, and Wiki Society of the Philippines also added their signatures.

Rounding out the 35 signatories are the Association for Progressive Communications, Better Internet PH, Democracy.net.PH, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, Internet Society, Internet Society – Philippines Chapter, and the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid. — Justine Irish D. Tabile