MANILA, Philippines — The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) threw its support behind the passage of the ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ bill, which Congress has ratified and is now up for the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
NATCO said the ratified bill would “improve internet availability, access and quality, especially in the rural areas where many cooperatives operate.”
“This will bridge the digital divide and empower cooperatives and social enterprises to help connect unserved and underserved communities,” NATCCO chief executive officer Sylvia Paraguya said in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday.
NATCCO, a federation of 1,039 cooperatives nationwide, cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s record wherein “60% of Filipinos use mobile phones and the internet for financial transactions, while 40% cite poor or nonexistent connectivity as a major barrier.”
“Expanding access to reliable internet is crucial for financial inclusion,” the federation said.
Among those supporting the bill are leaders from nongovernmental organizations, as well as officials of the BSP, Philippine Institute of Development Studies, and the Department of Economy, Planning & Development.
In January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified the bill, formally known as Senate Bill 2699, or the “Act Establishing a Comprehensive and Inclusive Data Transmission and Connectivity Framework for the Philippines,” as “urgent.”
The Congress ratified the bill on Monday. It proposes four key reforms: simplify the process for telecom companies to get approval, manage the radio spectrum more effectively to enhance service quality and coverage, require telecom companies to share infrastructure with new companies, and set performance standards to ensure effective implementation and protect Filipino consumers.
‘Loopholes’ of the bill
Geopolitical experts and consumer groups released a statement in February, underscoring that the bill “could invite foreign espionage, cyberattacks, and widespread scam syndicates.”
“We want to be connected, but not at the cost of our security,” Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, president of the international think tank Stratbase Institute, recently said.
“Removing the requirement for a legislative franchise to access the country’s radio frequencies weakens safeguards and opens the door to foreign entities with potentially harmful intentions,” he added.
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After the bill’s ratification by Congress, the measure will be sent to Malacañang for the President to sign it into law.
