MANILA – Detained senator Leila de Lima has filed a bill that would require public telecommunications companies to give the general public free and easy access to government websites.
Senate Bill No. 1852, or the Free Access to Government Websites Bill, if passed into law would allow the public to access government websites for free to download official forms and schedule applications for services.
“With technology rapidly changing our social and economic landscape, it has now become imperative for the government to ride the tide of technological advancement in order to provide a more efficient, safer, and equitable public service,” the senator said.
“Catering to Filipino who have access to smartphones, this bill will connect each citizen to the vast catalogues of government information. Ordinary Filipinos will be empowered to be more critical and participative in the decision-making processes that shape our society,” De Lima said.
The senator said that although the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act has been passed in 2017, not all people get to access the Internet for free, owing to location and poverty.
“At present, not everyone is fortunate enough to experience this technological innovation,” said De Lima.
The senator proposed that the Department of Information and Communications Technology assist government agencies in making sure their websites can be easily accessed even with minimal data requirements.
She also proposed that telecommunications companies who violate the provisions of the law, if passed, will be meted a fine of not less than P1 million but not more than P10 million and/or suspension or revocation of its legislative franchise and other permits and licenses given by the National Telecommunications Commission. (GMA News)
