Senator Imee Marcos is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to sign the Konektadong Pinoy Act, warning that a veto or dilution of the bill would betray public interest and preserve the telecom monopoly.
“As principal author, I urgently appeal to Malacañang not to veto the Konektadong Pinoy Act… It would be deeply unfortunate if, after both Houses of Congress clearly sided with the people, the President is even considering altering or cannibalizing the bill,” Marcos said, responding to reports the bill may be vetoed.
The bill aims to eliminate the outdated Congressional franchise requirement for data transmission providers, opening the sector to more players and promoting faster, cheaper, and more accessible internet, especially in remote areas.
“This is the moment for us to side with the masses and not the monopolies.” the senator stressed, calling on the President to resist pressure from dominant telecom firms that have long kept prices high and service poor.
“Please sign–for all Filipino students burdened by poverty and helplessly connectivity-poor. For the sick, whose only lifeline is digital care and telemedicine.For the remote and hard-to-reach communities who will never be served by the rich and powerful, driven only by profit,” she urged.
Marcos emphasized the bill includes strong national security safeguards, aligning with existing laws like the amended Public Services Act and Foreign Investment Act. These include presidential powers to block foreign threats and enforce cybersecurity standards.
“Bridge the digital divide. Break the duopoly. Please sign for our country, which has fallen so far behind in so many ways, concretely, digitally and democratically. Please sign KPA,” she added.IMT
