NEDA urges swift passage of Konektadong Pinoy Bill

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the expedited approval of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, during the sixth Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting held on September 25.

The bill, seen as critical to the country’s economic and digital growth, aims to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet access to all Filipinos.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the importance of the bill in achieving the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

“The Konektadong Pinoy Bill is crucial to the Philippine Development Plan as it will usher advancements across various sectors, including ICT, education, health, and agriculture,” Balisacan said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who chairs the LEDAC, has identified the bill as a legislative priority within the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA).

The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting plenary deliberation in the Senate.

Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, seeks to enhance market accessibility and upgrade both physical and digital infrastructure in the country.

By providing affordable internet, the bill aims to empower Filipinos and businesses to fully participate in the digital economy, an essential component for the country’s long-term economic growth.

The LEDAC meeting also reviewed the status of other priority bills under the CLA. Since the last meeting in June, two of the 28 priority bills, the New Government Procurement Act and the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, have been signed into law by President Marcos.

Another two, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the VAT on Digital Services Bill, are awaiting his signature.

Senate President Francis G. Escudero and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez provided updates on the progress of other key bills during the meeting.

Six bills, including the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, are expected to be approved by the President soon.

Several other high-priority bills remain under consideration, including amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, reforms to the Philippine Capital Markets, and the proposed E-Government Act.

NEDA continues to emphasize the need for these measures, particularly the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, to improve the country’s infrastructure and drive inclusive development.

As the government’s advisory body, LEDAC comprises representatives from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Cabinet, with NEDA serving as the council’s Secretariat.

The council plays a key role in setting legislative priorities to ensure the country’s socio-economic growth.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding access to digital services, positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global digital economy while improving the lives of millions of Filipinos across various sectors.