Neda urges passage of Open Access in Data Transmission Act

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) called for the passage of the Open Access in Data Transmission Act to promote fair competition among transmission service providers. 

In a speech at “The Future of Philippine Connectivity” forum in Quezon City, Balisacan said that passing the bill would also result in lower internet costs.

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“Neda supports the advocacy, for the passage of the Open Access Bill, or its newest iteration, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill. This landmark legislation embodies our commitment to promoting fair competition and dismantling barriers to entry in the data transmission sector,” said Balisacan. 

“It aims to reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos, especially those in unserved and underserved areas,” he added. 

READ: Groups urge passage of internet open access law

Businesses and information technology players have also called for the passage of the measure.

The House of Representatives already passed their version of the bill in the third reading, while the Senate version is still pending at the committee level.  

In a separate ambush interview, Balisacan said that while the Philippines is improving its internet services, the country is still playing catch up with other countries. 

“We’re improving but our neighbors are also improving, so catch up, and accelerate our processes. Digitalization is a big push of this administration,” he said.

According to the country’s economic growth czar, digitization opens up more opportunities for workers in high-value activities. 

“We can’t afford to miss those opportunities,” he noted.

The Open Access in Data Transmission Act is among the priority bills of the current administration, as identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.