Yet, come to think of it, at its best, the essence of real democracy is representation, consultation and participation — the very same values championed by the Internet.
In the same way that it has greatly altered the way we do things, it must also redefine our concept of government. If there is one compelling reason why government must go online, it is to bring government closer to the people and encourage the involvement and participation of citizens in government affairs. With the interactive features of the Web, there is no reason why citizens can’t get more actively involved in the democratic process.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is pioneering this effort by placing its consultative paper on Information and Communications (Infocomms) Policy for the Information Economy on its website www.dotcmain.gov.ph. The goal: to bring to public attention the various issues pertinent to information and communications policy and regulation to promote public understanding and encourage a forum for discussion.
"We want the consultative process to be as transparent and comprehensive as possible so that not only the views of the IT and telecommunications industries are taken into consideration but those of the academe as well as the general public," says Undersecretary for Communications Agustin Bengzon.
Among others, the consultative paper includes an introduction to the emerging information economy, an overview of global developments, a description of the current policy and regulatory framework for communications, and the proposed institutional reforms and key result areas.
"The world has entered the ‘information economy’ where the productivity and competitiveness of units and agencies fundamentally depend on their capacity to generate, process and apply efficiently knowledge-based information. Now is therefore the most opportune time to craft a comprehensive infocomms policy," the paper states.
With the consultative paper on the DOTC website, Filipinos who have access to the Internet can visit the site anytime, learn about the various issues being addressed through policy and regulation, and send their views and comments.
"The DOTC," the consultative paper states, "acknowledges the importance of public debate and consultation on the various policy and regulatory issues surrounding existing and emerging global developments in the information and communications industry." Thus, the paper seeks to invite strategic inputs and comments from other government agencies, the communications industry, and the society at large.
This, however, is not meant to replace the direct, face-to-face dialogues the department has been holding and will continue to hold regularly with leading IT and telecoms organizations in the country. In fact, last March 26-28, a dialogue was held during a symposium on Managing Infocomms and Public Policy organized by the Ateneo Graduate School of Business’ Center for Continuing Education where the Consultative Paper on Infocomms Policy for the Information Economy was one of the principal references.
Another consultative forum is scheduled today at the DOTC office at Columbia Towers on Ortigas Avenue. Representatives of all IT and telecoms organizations, the academe and all interested parties are invited to participate.