The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday, July 15, defended the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill, amid public concerns over cybersecurity, deregulation, and foreign ownership.

In an official statement, the DICT said it welcomes “public dialogue” and committed to “uphold national security, consumer protection, and universal access to secure, affordable, and reliable internet.”

The agency dispelled fears that the bill would weaken the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), stressing it will instead give the NTC more power to enforce regulations in a digital landscape.

“The DICT will never allow deregulation at the expense of security or public interest,” it stated.

“The Konektadong Pinoy Bill does not weaken the role of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). On the contrary, it modernizes and strengthens NTC’s mandate to respond faster and more effectively to digital-age challenges.”

According to the DICT, it is preparing Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to “explicitly reinforce the NTC’s role as the technical regulator with teeth—not just a passive licensing body.”

On fears of foreign control over digital infrastructure, the DICT said that national security remains “non-negotiable.”

“The DICT, in coordination with national security agencies, will ensure that no foreign-controlled entity gains access to critical digital infrastructure without undergoing multi-layered vetting and continuous monitoring,” the agency said.

The department clarified that only middle-mile and last-mile segments would be opened for competition to expand broadband access, especially in underserved areas. Backbone and core infrastructure will still be subject to existing ownership and cybersecurity laws.

The bill, per the DICT, eliminates franchise requirements for some data transmission sectors to help speed up connectivity in far-flung communities.

“This does not apply to telcos,” the department noted. 

“All entities must still secure proper permits, undergo security reviews, and be subject to the oversight of DICT and its attached agencies.”

Amid criticism over what some saw as a grace period for cybersecurity compliance, the agency stressed that there would be no allowance for negligence.

“The three-year clause cited in the bill refers only to minimum standards for legacy compliance, not to active threat management,” said DICT.

“All new entrants will be required to comply with baseline cybersecurity controls before operations begin, under the direct supervision of the DICT and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC),” it added.

The DICT said it is working with legal experts, civil society, and cybersecurity professionals in drafting the final IRR and bicameral provisions. 

It urged stakeholders to submit position papers and take part in technical working groups.