TARLAC CITY—Rep. Victor Yap of the Second District of Tarlac lauded President Duterte for signing into law the free Internet access in public places Law on August 2.
Yap, chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology and one of the authors of the measure, was elated t his vision of accessible internet to Filipinos is finally a reality.
“This is a monumental day for all of us. With this law, even citizens who cannot afford to avail themselves of Internet connection may have access to the worldwide web. This law will serve to level the playing field for the big number of Filipinos who cannot afford to pay for an Internet connection, with those who can,” Yap said in a statement. He cited the importance of Internet in a democratic society and the avenue it provides for the free flow of ideas.
“The Internet has become a crucial element for democratic participation. The digital space is the new arena for the clash of ideas. Almost everyone goes to the Internet to express their views on practically anything that happens in the world. The Internet has become a very powerful tool in shaping the society of today,” he said.
Duterte took a giant leap in bringing information technology to the people by signing Republic Act 10929, he added.
The new law mandates the local government units to provide free Internet access in government offices and public places. The law requires the minimum Internet speed per user be 2 megabits per second. Use of available or unassigned spectrum may be granted to government agencies and private entities to ensure faster Internet service to the people.
Areas to be provided with free public Internet access are buildings of national and local government offices, public basic-education institutions, state universities and colleges and Tesda technology institutions. Also covered by the law are public libraries, parks and plazas; barangay reading centers; public hospitals and rural health units; and public transportation terminals, such as airports, seaports, Metro Rail Transport/Light Rail Transit stations and public transport terminals.
The program will be funded through the Free Public Internet Access Fund under the management of the DICT. This fund shall be collected from Spectrum Users Fees collected by the National Telecommunications Co. and other sources to be identified by the Department of Budget and Management.