THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the swift passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, or the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, during the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting. 

This measure is in line with the government’s commitment to ensure fast, reliable and affordable internet access for all Filipinos.

In a statement, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the bill’s significance, as it will usher advancements across various sectors, including information and communications technology, education, health and agriculture.

The LEDAC previously identified the Konektadong Pinoy Bill as a priority within the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) for passage before the end of the 19th Congress. 

The bill has been approved at the House of Representatives and is awaiting plenary deliberation in the Senate.

Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, aims to enhance market accessibility, upgrade both physical and digital infrastructure and facilitate full participation of individuals and businesses in the digital economy, thereby providing affordable internet access to every Filipino.

Since the fifth LEDAC meeting on June 25, two of the 28 priority CLA bills, the New Government Procurement Act and the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, have been signed into law by the President.

Additionally, two other measures approved by Congress, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the VAT on Digital Services Bill, await the President’s signature.

Six bills are next in line for approval of the President, including the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act, Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act and Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act.