Butch Fernandez, February 6, 2025
The Senate voted on third and final reading to approve on Wednesday the Konektadong Pinoy bill, which seeks to establish an efficient data connectivity network in the country to ensure no disruptions to commerce, to learning, and to disaster prevention and mitigation.
At least 17 senators voted Yes to the bill, with zero objections and zero abstentions. Among the main sponsors, Sen. Grace Poe said the measure would hopefully open up the telecommunications market to more competition, while Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said it would boost vital efforts to redress huge gaps in learning, ensuring that no children or schools are cut off or unable to keep pace with classes.
Poe underscored the crucial role of a strong and fast internet connection and systems amid the challenging age of innovation in terms of new information and communication technology development (ICT). According to Poe, in 2023, the country ranked 124 out of 169 countries in terms of ICT development. The Philippines is also one of the most expensive internet connections in the ASEAN, and ranks 4th in terms of time spent on social media. “In an age of innovation where companies like Starlink, Comclark, Intelsat, and Astranis—with their cutting-edge technology—are changing the game, the Filipino people deserve to be at the forefront of any innovation that would make our network systems faster, stronger, and more reliable,” Poe said in explaining her affirmative vote on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 after Senate Bill No. 2699 or the Konektadong Pinoy Act was passed on third and final reading.
In his explanation of vote on Senate Bill No. 2699 – Konektadong Pinoy Act, Senator Joel Villanueva thanked the main sponsor, Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano, “for his hard work in pushing for this bill, which will finally address the long-standing issues of digital connectivity in the Philippines.”
Villanueva added: “In an era where reliable and affordable internet access is a necessity, not a luxury, this bill ensures that no Filipino is left behind. Whether for education, business, government services, or disaster response, connectivity is a lifeline. This is especially true for our learners, for whom access to the Internet can make or break them, in their schooling and beyond.”
The government recognizes this urgent need, according to Villanueva, who noted that in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been allocated ₱7.5 billion to sustain the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).
“With the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, we are hopeful that more resources can be dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the Internet.
“We believe that digital inclusion is essential for progress, and this bill is a key milestone in building a connected, empowered, and future-ready Philippines,” stressed Villanueva.
The country’s biggest industry groups and chambers of commerce had earlier expressed full support for Konektadong Pinoy and urged Congress to approve it before they go on recess ahead of the May 2025 election period.