The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) welcomed the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy (KP) Act, which it said aims to bridge the digital divide and accelerate the country’s digital transformation, in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.

In a statement on Monday, Aug. 25, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said, “Reliable and affordable internet means more students, especially those in remote areas of the country, can gain access to online learning resources. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can reach broader markets, while clinics can deliver telehealth to those who are unable to travel to regional centers,” following the enactment of KP Act into law.

The DEPDev chief added that, “Our farmers and fisherfolk can access timely market and weather information that will allow them to manage their crops more effectively. Citizens will also find it easier and less costly to access government services.”

Malacañang confirmed over the weekend that the landmark KP Act had already lapsed into law.

KP Act encourages greater market competition, facilitates infrastructure sharing to speed up network deployment, and promotes more efficient utilization of the radio frequency spectrum, DEPDev noted.

These reforms are expected to expand network coverage, improve internet speed, and lower costs—strengthening digitalization as a key driver of productivity and inclusive economic growth, the agency said.

The new law also boosts disaster resilience by ensuring continuous connectivity for households, workplaces, and essential public services, it added.

Last year, DEPDev published a policy note on open access in data transmission, which identified barriers in the telecom sector and emphasized the potential benefits of easing competition constraints in specific areas of the industry.

DEPDev had also pushed for the inclusion of KP Act in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s (LEDAC) common legislative agenda and provided technical guidance to lawmakers during the drafting and deliberation process.

It acknowledged the decisive leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., whose urgent certification of the bill helped ensure its swift passage.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the law’s effective and inclusive implementation.

Telco giants had earlier raised concerns over potential national security risks and the removal of franchise requirements for data transmission providers under KP Act, noting that while full-service telecom operators must still secure a legislative franchise, new data-focused entrants are no longer required to do so.

DEPDev said it will “continue providing evidence-based guidance and pursue an inclusive process in crafting the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR), ensuring that the promise of this reform brings real, equitably shared, and lasting gains for the country.”

“KP Act is a game-changing measure that will revolutionize and boost our digital economy, bringing us closer to our shared vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay,” Balisacan said. “This is a future where no Filipino is left behind and accessible digital opportunities uplift every individual, home, livelihood, and community.”

(Ricardo M. Austria)