Foreign chambers seek approval of Konektadong Pinoy bill

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign business groups are urging the government to immediately approve the Konektadong Pinoy bill to expand internet access in the country.

“We call for the swift passage of the Konektadong Pilipino (Open Access) bill to bridge these critical gaps in internet infrastructure and help ensure that families have the internet they need for work, school and more,” the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) said in a letter sent to the Senate.

Citing a recent World Bank study, the JFC said only about 33 percent of households in the country have access to fixed internet.

“Prohibitive costs and lack of internet infrastructure contribute to the prevailing digital divide,” the JFC said.

In addition, the JFC said the country is behind its middle-income peers in Southeast Asia in terms of internet access, speed and affordability.

“Passage of this bill will reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services by lowering barriers to entry in the data transmission sector and encouraging more competition and investment in data transmission, especially in underserved areas throughout the Philippines,” the JFC said.

They said the approval of the proposed legislative measure would also help hasten the country’s digital transformation.

The Konektadong Pinoy bill is part of the common legislative agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

It aims to provide affordable internet access  by enhancing market accessibility, upgrading physical and digital infrastructure and promoting participation in the digital economy.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said earlier the bill is among the priority measures currently pending at the committee level that the Senate is on track to approve before Congress adjourns sine die.

JFC is a coalition of the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese and Korean chambers, as well as the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc., representing over 3,000 members.

It is pushing for open international trade, increased foreign investment and improved business environment to benefit both the Philippines and the countries they represent.