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By Ashley Erika O. Jose, <\/b>Journalist<\/i><\/p>\n
THE KONEKTADONG PINOY <\/span>legislation, aimed at enhancing internet accessibility by loosening regulations and permitting more entrants into <\/span>the data transmission sector, <\/span>has officially become law as of Sunday.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has officially become a law,\u201d Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda informed BusinessWorld<\/i> on Sunday. <\/span><\/p>\n This was further verified by <\/span>Pres<\/span>idential Communications Undersecretary Claire B. Castro via a Viber message, though details were not provided. <\/span><\/p>\n Mr. Aguda noted that the DICT is currently developing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Konektadong Pinoy Act, also referred to as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.<\/p>\n He indicated that the DICT has reached out to the country’s leading telecommunication firms for their contributions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are finalizing the draft IRR. It will be completed before the public consultations. I have extended personal invitations to PLDT, Globe, Converge, and DITO for their participation in the IRR,\u201d <\/span>Mr. Aguda stated.<\/p>\n He mentioned that the finalized IRR is anticipated to be released within 60 days.<\/p>\n The Konektadong Pinoy Act implements an open-access policy to foster a more accessible and competitive landscape for all qualified participants in the data transmission network, while also promoting investments in digital infrastructure to support reliable and cost-effective data services. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe celebrate the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy. We hope this initiative facilitates a more efficient, stable, and affordable internet service throughout the Philippines,\u201d said Ronald B. Gustilo, a national campaigner for the Digital Pinoys group, in a Viber message. <\/span><\/p>\n The legislation is expected to attract additional players into the sector, Mr. Gustilo noted, adding that it should foster healthier competition and enhance customer experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cWe also urge the creators of the implementing rules and regulations to embed clear protections that will safeguard consumers and ensure these are comprehensively mapped out,\u201d Mr. Gustilo added.<\/p>\n Telecommunications entities through the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) have previously urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.<\/span> to veto the bill and return it to Congress. <\/span><\/p>\n The PCTO has expressed concerns that certain provisions of the Konektadong Pinoy Act could weaken regulatory oversight and endanger national security while threatening fair competition.<\/p>\n \u201cThere may be cyberthreats that could emerge from this new telecommunications directive, but these can be alleviated by a proactive IRR, formulated by various sectors, and ongoing monitoring by the regulators of this vital information infrastructure ecosystem,\u201d Samuel V. Jacoba,\u00a0 <\/span>founding president of the National Association of Data Protection Officers, stated via Viber.<\/span><\/p>\n Under the law, new entrants in data transmission no longer need to obtain a legislative franchise or a certificate of public convenience and necessity, which the PCTO described as a crucial filter historically utilized to evaluate legal, financial, technical, and cybersecurity preparedness.<\/p>\n Specifically, the PCTO is opposing the legislation as it mandates entrants to only secure cybersecurity certification after two years of operations.<\/p>\n PLDT Inc. Chief Legal Counsel Joan de Venecia-Fabul stated that the organization is exploring all avenues to ensure a level playing field for current players <\/span>once Konektadong Pinoy is enacted. <\/span><\/p>\n She remarked that while the IRR may not resolve the issues presented by PLDT, the company remains willing to engage in the development of the Konektadong Pinoy\u2019s IRR. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAn IRR cannot contradict the law. It can elaborate on it, clarify it, and outline its contours and boundaries, but it cannot oppose it,\u201d Ms. De <\/span>Venecia-Fabul told reporters last week. <\/span><\/p>\n