Foreign business groups push for open internet

MANILA, Philippines — The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) on Thursday called for the immediate passage of a law on open access in data transmission law, which the group said will further liberalize internet access in the country.

The JFC — the coalition of the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean business chambers, as well as the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Incorporated — made the call amid enduring barriers to internet access in the country.

Citing a report from the World Bank, the JFC noted that only around 33 percent of Filipino households have access to fixed — or wired — internet connection.

The business changers added that prohibitive costs and a lack of internet infrastructure also contribute to the prevailing problem.

“We call for the swift passage of the Konektadong Pinoy (Open Access) bill to bridge these critical gaps in internet infrastructure and help ensure that families have the internet they need for work, school, and more,” said the JFC.

READ: Neda urges passage of Open Access in Data Transmission Act

“Passage of this bill will reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services by lowering barriers to entry in the data transmission sector and encouraging more competition and investment in data transmission, especially in underserved areas throughout the Philippines,” the group added.

Additionally, such legislation will also accelerate the digital transformation in the country, said the JFC.

The House of Representatives passed the proposed law during the 17th and 18th Congress, which convened during the previous administration. However, the bill failed to secure approval from the Senate.

Aside from the JFC, other business groups which are pushing for its passage include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).