Malacañang said President Marcos will thoroughly evaluate the Konektadong Pinoy Bill before making any decision, noting that he will consider its implications on national security, industry regulation, and the welfare of ordinary Filipinos.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after telco operators urged the President to review the said bill, citing fears that some provisions may weaken government regulatory authority and create vulnerabilities in critical digital infrastructure.

In her press briefing on Monday, June 16, the Palace Press Officer assured the public that the President will thoroughly review the bill before deciding on it, despite it being one of his administration’s priority bills.

“Asahan po natin na nakikinig ang Pangulo sa mga maaaring issues patungkol dito sa bill na ito (Let’s expect that the President is listening to the potential issues concerning this bill),” she said.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, one of the administration's priority legislative measures, aims to expand nationwide internet access and digital connectivity. However, some telco operators have flagged concerns over provisions they say could undermine regulatory oversight and pose risks to fair competition and national security.

According to Castro, while the President is committed to balancing stakeholder concerns, he has yet to receive the enrolled copy of the bill.

“As of now, we have been informed that no document has been given to the Office of the President,” she said.

“But rest assured that the President will evaluate every provision stated in the said Konektadong Pinoy Bill,” she added.

Castro said that the President would act swiftly once the bill is formally transmitted.

“Bibilisan naman po ng Pangulo basta po naaral niya po ang bawat provision (The President will act with urgency as long as he has thoroughly studied every provision),” she said.

She also stressed that the President’s review will weigh three major considerations: its benefits to the public, possible national security concerns, and its potential impact on the telco sector.

The Konektadong Pinoy Bill is part of the Marcos administration’s push to bridge the digital divide and boost the country’s e-governance, public education, and economic competitiveness.