MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a Senate bill also known as the Konektadong Pinoy Act which is aimed at improving the country’s digital infrastructure and connectivity.
In a message to reporters on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed that Senate Bill Number 2699, or the Act Establishing a Comprehensive and Inclusive Data Transmission and Connectivity for the Philippines, had been declared urgent.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated January 27 and shared with reporters, Marcos said the development was aimed at facilitating the development of “robust and resilient” communications infrastructure in the country.
It was also to establish a competitive and innovation-driven data transmission industry that will protect public interest, promote fair competition, encourage investment, and equip government and the public with essential tools to maintain important communication channels and respond to emergencies, he said in the letter.
The bill proposes four key reforms: simplify the process for telecom companies to get approval, manage the radio spectrum more effectively to enhance service quality and coverage, require telecommunications companies to share infrastructure with new companies, and set performance standards to ensure effective implementation and protect Filipino consumers.