THE PHILIPPINE Competition Commission (PCC) co-presented the “Konektadong Pinoy: A Pro-Filipino, Pro-Consumer, Pro-Competition Digital Connectivity Law” policy conference with the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on March 28 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center.
PCC Commissioner Lolibeth Ramit-Medrano, representing chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, emphasized the significance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA) in driving the development of a competitive, affordable, and accessible telecommunications sector for all Filipinos. She highlighted the crucial role of data in fueling innovation and economic growth while stressing the importance of a robust legal framework to ensure fair and inclusive access to telecommunications infrastructure.
“This bill articulates the state policy on data inclusivity, introduces key reforms in the approval process of telecommunications companies, as well as mainstreams competition principles in the national comprehensive data transmission and connectivity framework,” Medrano stated.
Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and co-author of the KPA, explained “The KPA represents a significant move toward improving telecommunications, ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location or economic status, can connect to the digital world. This bill is a game-changer for consumers, businesses, and our nation as a whole.”
PCC executive director Kenneth V. Tanate also contributed insights as one of the reactors during the event, discussing the essential role of competition in the telecommunications sector, particularly in addressing barriers to entry of new players in the said market. He emphasized that dismantling these barriers is vital for improving services, lowering prices, and increasing accessibility for Filipino consumers and businesses.
“The Konektadong Pinoy bill is a decisive step toward dismantling these barriers. Many of these concerns fall within the mandate of the PCC. We welcome the additional roles and responsibilities being proposed for the PCC under this bill,” Tanate said.
The conference brought together government agencies, industry players, business organizations, and members of the academe, as well as the international community, to discuss the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy bill in enhancing digital connectivity and promoting a competitive telecommunications sector in the Philippines.
