Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday welcomed the backing of AI (artificial intelligence) stakeholders and internet providers for the swift passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which seeks to provide fast, affordable, and reliable internet for all Filipinos.
“Access to high-speed internet is a requirement to fully embrace the unlimited potential of the digital age,” Cayetano said.
“With the support of our local key players in the AI and telecom industry, I’m confident that this bill will kick off digital transformation in our country,” he added.
The Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), an organization of AI professionals and stakeholders, expressed its support for the measure in an official statement on Tuesday, September 10.
Citing data from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), AAP noted that artificial intelligence can contribute up to P2.6 trillion to the economy yearly.
“Technologies like GenAI are an opportunity to empower Filipino jobs and communities,” AAP stated.
The group emphasized that unlocking this potential “depends heavily on the country’s internet connectivity.”
“The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy bill will be fundamental [in] ensuring that all Filipinos can partake in the economic and social benefits brought by AI advancements,” AAP President Michelle Alarcon said.
The Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc., a group that represents small internet service providers (ISP) in the country, likewise voiced its support for the bill.
PCTA said Konektadong Pinoy will allow ISPs to “bring more Filipinos online” by “removing the barriers” to their expansion.
“This bill will allow us, small players, to further invest in infrastructure, especially in underserved areas where various hurdles hinder our efforts,” the group wrote in an online statement on August 26, 2024.
The Konektadong Pinoy bill aims to improve access to fast and affordable internet nationwide by removing the need for legislative franchises, promoting infrastructure sharing among telecom companies, and overseeing the allocation and use of radio spectrums.
The organizations’ statements of support came following the sponsorship speech of Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, on August 5.
In his speech, he urged advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations to submit their input.
“Sa lahat ng nag-contribute sa bill na ito, sa lahat ng authors, all the NGOs, all the advocacy groups, I look forward to discussing this bill in the next few days,” Cayetano said.
“Once magawa natin ito, we will in a year, two, or three years see the difference of having reliable, affordable, accessible internet connection in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,” he added.