NEDA pushes for passage of Konektadong Pinoy bill

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the passage of a measure that will provide open access and transparency in the country’s data transmission sector.

“NEDA supports the advocacy for the passage of the Open Access Bill, or its newest iteration, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said at a forum in Quezon City on Friday.

“This landmark legislation embodies our commitment to promoting fair competition and dismantling barriers to entry in the data transmission sector. It aims to reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos, especially those in unserved and underserved areas,” Balisacan said.

A version of the Open Access Bill was passed by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in December 2022. 

The House bill proposes the establishment of an independent regulatory system and body for the digital infrastructure of the country and foster competition and attract investments.

The measure defines “open access” as the “system of allowing the use of data transmission or distribution systems and associated facilities subject to fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms in a transparent market.”

Data transmission, meanwhile, was defined as the “process of sending digital or digitized analog signals over a communication medium to one or more computing networks, communication or electronic devices.”

A similar bill was filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada and is currently being discussed in the Upper Chamber.

Balisacan said the Open Access bill is already part of the priority measures being pushed by LEDAC or Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.

“The Open Access Bill, Konektadong Pinoy, is already part of the LEDAC, hopefully we can pass that within this session of Congress,” the NEDA chief told reporters in a chance interview.

During his remarks, Balisacan emphasized the need for a law that will promote competition in the digital space which would result in affordable cost for digital connectivity among Filipinos.

“In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards economic advancement. We cannot overstate enough the transformative power of information and communication technologies that have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives,” the NEDA chief said.

The proposed measure also aims to provide affordable Internet access for every Filipino by enhancing market accessibility, upgrading physical and digital infrastructure, and enabling full participation of individuals and businesses in the digital economy.—AOL, GMA Integrated News