by Leira Mananzan, Reporter
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Converge ICT Solutions have expressed strong support for the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill, legislation designed to expand internet access, lower connectivity costs, and strengthen consumer protection for Filipino households.
This crucial legislative initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, empowering communities and fostering economic growth across the nation.
The announcement came during a media session following the launch of the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E) in Taguig City, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s digital future.
DICT: Focus is on consumer rights
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda underscored that the measure should prioritize the consumer perspective, ensuring that the rights of ordinary Filipinos are central to its implementation.
“Konektadong Pinoy is written for the people. It is not a law against telecom companies, but a framework to make internet access universal, affordable, and reliable,” Aguda said.
The bill outlines three key consumer rights: the right to be connected, the right to affordable internet, and the right to prompt responses when filing service complaints.
Aguda also stressed that a strong Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) will be critical to ensuring accountability and enforcement, citing South Korea as an example of how clear regulatory frameworks can safeguard consumer interests.
Infrastructure and industry collaboration
Converge CEO and PBC&E chairman Dennis Anthony Uy echoed Aguda’s call, saying that a strong IRR will ensure consumer protection is “not only promised, but delivered.”
Uy emphasized that Converge’s mission to connect Filipinos “from Sulu to Batanes” aligns with the bill’s objectives of universal access without sacrificing affordability or service quality.
Aguda also highlighted ongoing infrastructure initiatives, reporting that Phases 1 to 3 of the National Fiber Backbone were completed in Tacloban two years ahead of schedule. Phases 4 and 5, which will link Mindanao to Luzon and the Visayas, are already underway and targeted for completion before the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Both officials noted that infrastructure expansion remains a challenge in an archipelagic country, especially with issues such as right-of-way access and the growing need for disaster-resilient networks.
Protecting consumers from online scams
Alongside legislative and infrastructure initiatives, DICT and Converge also announced a memorandum of understanding to step up the fight against online scams and phishing attacks. The partnership includes technical defenses and public awareness campaigns, with the goal of substantially reducing scam-related incidents by the end of the year.
The briefing also previewed highlights of the 51st PBC&E, which will feature a major Tech Showcase of innovations from local and international firms, as well as a National Hackathon Championship with participants from top universities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Despite differing views between regulators and operators, both Aguda and Uy reaffirmed their commitment to the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, describing it as a pivotal step toward universal connectivity and stronger consumer protection in the Philippines.
“At the end of the day, this is for the people,” Aguda said. “The law will ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable, reliable, and secure internet.”
Toward a more connected Digital Philippines
As the Konektadong Pinoy Bill advances, industry leaders and policymakers alike see universal connectivity as the backbone of the country’s digital transformation agenda. With 99.5% of Philippine enterprises classified as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), affordable internet is seen as a crucial enabler for business growth, fintech adoption, and global competitiveness.
This unified effort promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and sustained national development, ensuring no Filipino is left behind in the digital age.
If enacted, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill is expected to strengthen consumer rights, promote fair competition among telcos, and accelerate the Philippines’ journey toward becoming a truly connected digital nation.
