Imagine a Philippines “supercharged by normal people using extraordinary tech.” That vision is at the heart of the “Konektadong Pinoy Act”, a landmark measure recently ratified by both houses of Congress and now awaiting the president’s signature. Far more than a promise of faster internet, this bill seeks to dismantle decades-old barriers to competition, modernize regulation, and create a more secure, affordable, and inclusive digital landscape.

For decades, building data transmission infrastructure in the Philippines required securing a congressional franchise -- a political process that was slow, costly, and vulnerable to influence. The Konektadong Pinoy Act scraps this outdated requirement, replacing it with a streamlined registration process managed by regulators. This shift lowers entry barriers for local, regional, and niche players, opening doors for underserved communities to finally access reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The bill promotes infrastructure sharing, mandates open-access policies, and enables satellite deployment without costly leases; measures designed to boost competition, lower costs, and expand reach beyond urban centers. While critics warn of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the law builds in robust safeguards, including third-party certifications aligned with ISO standards, regular audits, and oversight from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). These provisions strengthen -- rather than replace -- existing protections under the Data Privacy Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Opposition to the bill has been vocal, particularly from former DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy, who has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto it over alleged cybersecurity and infrastructure risks. Dy, removed from his post earlier this year, claims the bill “oversimplifies” complex industry issues and could expose the country to national security threats. However, policy experts such as Grace Mirandilla-Santos argue these claims are misleading, pointing out that all internet users are inherently exposed to cyber risks and that the bill strengthens security requirements for data transmission networks.

Much of the resistance also centers on retaining the congressional franchise requirement. Some opponents frame it as a safeguard against threats, yet the Philippines is unique in using this political licensing model for telecom and data transmission -- a system that many argue stifles competition and innovation. The Konektadong Pinoy Act instead shifts focus to technical compliance, pushing providers to invest in secure, reliable infrastructure rather than lobbying for legislative approval.

Concerns about infrastructure sharing requirements for developers and mall operators are valid, but the absence of such mandates in this bill should not overshadow its broader benefits. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda emphasizes that opening the market to more players will drive investment, reduce costs, and improve service quality, addressing long-standing bottlenecks caused by duopoly dynamics and underinvestment.

The bill has strong industry backing. Over 40 business chambers, digital cooperatives, and advocacy groups support it, not because it is flawless, but because it represents a critical first step toward closing the country’s digital divide. These stakeholders understand that meaningful reform must begin by modernizing outdated rules, then building on them through targeted policies and effective enforcement.

For everyday Filipinos, this law means more than just better internet speeds. It’s about enabling students in remote barangays to attend online classes without interruption, helping small businesses reach customers nationwide, and giving health workers the tools they need for telemedicine. For advertisers and tech providers, it signals growing audience demand and an opportunity to showcase affordable, inclusive services.

In short, the Konektadong Pinoy Act is not just telecommunications reform -- it’s a bold statement of digital equity. By removing political roadblocks, strengthening cybersecurity standards, and fostering fair competition, it lays the legal and operational foundation for a connected, resilient, and empowered Philippines. The bill may not solve every problem overnight, but it sets the country on the path toward a more competitive, secure, and inclusive digital future.

The Filipino people deserve nothing less.