TECH NEWS | Tech, civil society groups push for ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill as security concerns raised
The proposed law aims to liberalize the country’s data transmission industry by opening the market to more players and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
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With the Konektadong Pinoy bill now awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, a growing coalition of technology, business, and civil society groups has reiterated its call for immediate enactment, even as former DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan raised concerns over potential national security risks.
The proposed law aims to liberalize the country’s data transmission industry by opening the market to more players and strengthening cybersecurity measures. Supporters argue the bill would help break the longstanding dominance of a few telcos, improve internet quality, and boost competition.
Organizations including the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP), Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT), Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), and Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance have joined the call for the bill’s passage.
They argue that the status quo has led to fragmented cybersecurity enforcement and outdated infrastructure. “The Konektadong Pinoy bill is the courageous legal hammer that will smash the monopoly of big telcos,” said NADPOP founding president Samuel Jacoba in a statement.
Under the bill, all Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs) would be required to comply with cybersecurity standards set by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), including certification under ISO/IEC 27001 within two years of registration. Non-compliant operators would face penalties and be subjected to regular performance audits for license renewal.
Supporters also refuted claims that the bill weakens regulatory oversight. The legislation mandates prior approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for any entity operating international gateways and backbone facilities. It bars foreign government-controlled and state-owned entities from entering the sector and requires vetting, auditing, and national security reviews of DTIPs.
However, Honasan warned that the bill may inadvertently compromise national security by allowing foreign-owned entities to operate infrastructure such as cable landing stations and satellite gateways, possibly located outside Philippine territory.
He argued that the absence of an explicit, legally mandated national security vetting process creates vulnerabilities. “The Implementing Rules and Regulations alone cannot provide the necessary level of scrutiny and accountability,” Honasan said.
He also called for provisions that ensure legal accountability for breaches or system disruptions, as well as enforceable penalties. Additionally, he noted that during national emergencies, the government may not have the legal or physical means to take control of foreign-operated infrastructure, potentially limiting its ability to ensure service continuity and protect public interest.
Despite these concerns, the bill has broad institutional backing, including endorsements from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, and international organizations like the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre Foundation.
With Congress having ratified the measure, the final decision now rests with President Marcos ahead of his State of the Nation Address.
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