MANILA (UCAN): The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill on August 24, was met by mixed reactions by activists, experts, and watchdogs in Philippines who noted it would improve access but expressed concerns over regulatory gaps and national security.
The new bill marked a major development according to Malacañang Palace, the official residence and principal workplace of the president.
The bill aims to expand access, streamline the licensing process for Internet service providers [ISP], and encourage new and smaller companies to enter the market, the Philippine Star reported on August 25.
Senate president, Francis Escudero, said, “It is about time that we empower Filipinos through greater access to information and connectivity.”
On average, Filipinos spend eight hours and 52 minutes online daily, according to data from research groups.
…unfettered flow of disinformation and propaganda threatens to undermine our people’s capacity for enlightened decision-making and self-determination
Orlando Oxales
“The Philippines has one of the highest Internet connectivity costs in the world, considering the speed it offers to consumers,” the senator told reporters on August 25.
The new law “aims to ensure a universal, reliable, and affordable Internet for every Filipino,” Henry Aguda, secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology [DICT], said in an August 24 statement.
The law will create “a foundation for better education, e-commerce growth, accessible government services, and stronger communities,” Aguda said.
However, advocacy groups expressed concerns over “pitfalls in the pursuit of digital connectivity,” citing limitations of the law and the curtailment of the authority of the National Telecommunication Commission.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
“While an accessible, affordable Internet connectivity delivered through a choice of numerous providers could be viewed favourably by the people, it could also come at the cost of security,” Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said.
Father Christian Ofilan of the Diocese of Borongan said better connectivity would benefit overseas Filipino workers and students.
“For overseas Filipino workers, it will ease their longing for their families here,” he said.
The Philippines has one of the highest Internet connectivity costs in the world, considering the speed it offers to consumers
Francis Escudero
According to official data, the Philippines has about 12 million overseas workers who remit millions of dollars to support their families. They are considered an economic lifeline for the nation of 115 million.
“Students will gain access to the online wealth of knowledge,” Father Ofilan said, adding that inside offices, there will be speeding up of processes that would otherwise take a long time if done manually.
He said the new law will also be “a tremendous help” for the Church’s evangelisation and pastoral activities.
“The Internet nowadays is full of online missionaries who greatly help in evangelisation,” he said.
Oxales, however, warned that the “unfettered flow of disinformation and propaganda threatens to undermine our people’s capacity for enlightened decision-making and self-determination.”
During previous elections, fake narratives were pushed to manipulate people insidiously by using the Internet “into voting a specific way or blindly embracing a certain ideology,” he added.
Cyber expert and consultant, Ronel Boholano, also raised red flags concerning the law.
“Now local ISPs can use existing infrastructure without following the standards or national Internet Service Provider policies. So, it’s going to be challenging to monitor ISP providers,” he said.
In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators raised national security risks and fairness issues and urged the government to establish tighter implementing rules and regulations for the law.
