‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill lapses into law

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not act on the “Konektadong Pinoy” bill, allowing it to lapse into law on Sunday, Aug. 24, Malacañang confirmed.

Congress on July 24 submitted the enrolled version of the bill called “An Act Establishing a Comprehensive and Inclusive Data Transmission and Connectivity Framework for the Philippines.” It is among Marcos’ priority bills.

When previously asked by reporters regarding the provisions still being reviewed by Marcos, Malacañang only said to wait for the president’s action.

“Mas maganda po kasing rebyuhin lahat [It’s better to review everything],” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing on Aug. 20.

The “Konektadong Pinoy” bill seeks to streamline the licensing process, promoting infrastructure sharing. It also aims to allow new and smaller players to invest in data transmission infrastructure without requiring a legislative franchise.

For ordinary Filipinos, the measure promises reduced costs and expanded access to high-quality internet services. But several industry players have raised concerns.

For instance, Globe earlier called for further revisions on the bill as the firm cautioned the measure could result in “regulatory imbalance, uneven competition, and the lack of transparency and oversight for new players.”

According to reports, PLDT also requested to be part of those who would craft the implementing rules and regulations.

Asked regarding the Malacañang’s position on the private sector helping with the IRR, Castro said: “Wala naman magiging problema kung sila ay makakatulong at magiging maganda ang pag-iimplementa ng sinasabing batas. Kung maipapasa ito, walang tututulan ang pangulo.”

[Translation: There will be no problem if they can help, and if this could result in the better implementation of the law. If the law is passed, the president will not oppose the inputs of the private sector.]

Amid concerns on the “Konektadong Pinoy” measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology in July affirmed its shared commitment with various stakeholders “to uphold national security, consumer protection, and universal access to secure, affordable, and reliable internet.”

“This law is not an endpoint—it is a starting point for deeper reform, built on transparency, accountability, and collaboration,” the agency said.