Legarda pushes for better internet connectivity in PH

San Jose, Antique- Senator Loren Legarda pushes for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2699, or the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act.

“At present, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In order to push for holistic national growth, it is vital to invest in the further development of data transmission services, narrowing the digital divide in the country,” Legarda said.

“It is our goal to also democratize the digital marketplace by eliminating regulatory barriers and promoting a technology-neutral policy framework to create a fair and open environment for all service providers,” she added.

Once the bill is passed into law, it will provide accessible internet connections by fostering fair competition and removing barriers to entry in the data transmission sector. Furthermore, it aims to lower costs and increase access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos.

Legarda was the principal author of Republic Act No. 10844, which established the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“I have consistently pushed for initiatives to enhance our ICT infrastructure and services. In my home province of Antique, I have supported the ‘Broadband ng Masa’ Project (BBMP), in partnership with the DICT through which 450 Wi-Fi sites across 150 barangays have been installed,” remarked the four-term senator.

“Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, this initiative marks a significant step in equipping our communities and bridging the existing digital gap,” she furthered. “It is imperative that we prioritize digital inclusivity at this present time, acknowledging the importance of innovations in national development.”

All 18 municipalities in Legarda’s home province of Antique are now connected to the internet through the installation of Starlink satellites through the veteran lawmaker’s initiative and personal assistance.