President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law allowing free public internet access in the Philippines.
The law’s objective is to promote knowledge-building among the citizens and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving information and communication age.
The area coverage of the law are as follows:
- National and local government offices
- Public basic education institutions
- State Universities and Colleges (SUC’s)
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) technology institutions
- Public hospitals, health centers, and rural health units
- Public parks, plazas, libraries, and barangay reading centers
- Public airports and seaports
- Public transport terminals
DICT or the Department of Information and Communications Technology will oversee the implementation of the free internet access and will set the standards and qualifications in determining which public places shall be included and prioritized for the program.
The following will be some of the DICT’s tasks:
- Within 1 year from the effectivity of the law, they will develop a comprehensive plan for the timely and effective implementation and propagation of the program.
- Coordinate with the national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), private sector, and concerned organizations.
- Prescribe policies and regulations.
- Enter into contracts to undertake the implementation of the law subject to existing laws and regulations.
- Arrange funding for the program from any source
- Ensure the minimum internet speed per user is 2Mbps or as prescribed by the National Broadband Plan, whichever is higher.
Unfortunately, to some, viewing of pornographic websites will not be allowed.
To view more of the details of the law, click here.
