Palace says Marcos to review Konektadong Pinoy bill

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will be reviewing the Konektadong Pinoy bill, a priority measure for his administration, amid concerns raised by telecommunications companies over some of its provisions, according to the Palace.

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At the same time, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda expressed confidence Mr. Marcos will sign into law the measure which will establish a more affordable and inclusive digital ecosystem.

At a briefing, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the Office of the President has yet to receive a copy of the final version of the bill, which was ratified by Congress.

"As of now, we have been informed that no document has been given to the Office of the President but rest assured that the President will evaluate any provision stated in the said Konektadong Pinoy bill," she said.

"Let us expect the President is listening to possible issues concerning this bill and that he will weigh what is best for our fellow citizens, including any concerns about national security and any potential negative impact on the telecom industry," she added in Filipino.

Ms. Castro said the President would act on the measure swiftly after he carefully studies the bill's provisions.

"Yes, we are confident that it will be signed by the President. It is among the priority legislation of this administration," Mr. Aguda said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure forum on Monday.

The Senate and House of Representatives last week ratified the bicameral conference committee report of the Konektadong Pinoy measure.