Business groups laud Konektadong Pinoy

MANILA, Philippines — Business groups cheered the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act to enable improved internet access for all, but emphasized the need for rules and regulations that protect the free flow of data for the law’s successful implementation.

In a joint statement yesterday, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), EU-ASEAN (European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council (EUABC), IT (Information Technology) and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) lauded the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

“We see this as a landmark achievement that will significantly improve internet access, boost the Philippines’ economic competitiveness and strengthen its digital ecosystem as ASEAN develops its regional Digital Economy Framework Agreement,” the groups said.

They emphasized that the law’s success would depend on the development of implementing rules and regulations that protect the free and seamless flow of data across borders.

“This approach will ensure that businesses are able to innovate and scale globally, allowing the Philippines to fully harness the digital economy’s potential.”

Konektadong Pinoy, which aims to encourage more investments for improved internet access in the country, lapsed into law on Sunday.

Under the Konektadong Pinoy Act, the aim is to eliminate barriers to the entry of new service providers and address the digital divide especially in underserved and far-flung areas.

It is one of the priority legislative measures of the government and has gained support from government agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

However, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO), which counts the biggest telcos as its members, expressed concerns over the measure, particularly on provisions that remove the requirement of obtaining a legislative franchise for new players.

For the PCTO, this would eliminate safeguards to assess the legal, financial, technical and cybersecurity readiness of firms.

The JFC, EUABC, IBPAP and USABC said they are ready to support the Philippines in taking advantage of opportunities in the digital economy.

“We remain committed to supporting the Philippines’ digital transformation and look forward to the full and immediate implementation of this law,” the groups said.