Sen. Bam Aquino pushed for the full implementation of Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, saying it will greatly benefit Filipinos who cannot afford internet connectivity.
At a Senate science and technology hearing, Aquino stressed that internet access is now a basic necessity for education, work, and daily life, and must be available in schools, markets, hospitals, transport hubs, and government offices nationwide.
“Sa pag-push natin para ma-implementa ang batas na Free WiFi, lahat ng Pilipino dapat makinabang dito. Dahil ang access sa internet ay access sa kaalaman. Access sa pag-angat ng ating buhay,” said Aquino, principal sponsor of the law enacted in 2017.
He added the measure should benefit not only students and teachers but also commuters, entrepreneurs, and families.
Aquino also called for a clear master plan, proper funding, and defined responsibilities for government agencies to ensure the law’s effective rollout. He urged telcos to offer discounted bulk rates for the Department of Education, noting that only 2,872 of over 58,000 public schools are currently connected to the Free WiFi program.
Telcos signaled willingness to provide discounts, while the DICT committed to connect nearly 12,000 unserved schools in remote areas by year-end.IMT
