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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV is pushing for free internet access in all public places.
Aquino said Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1277, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, proposes that internet services in all government offices, public schools, libraries and hospitals, as well as public transport terminals be free.
Only 52.6 percent of Filipinos have internet access, the senator, who chairs both the committees on education and science and technology, lamented.
He also noted that only 26 percent of public schools in the country can connect to the internet.
Thus, Aquino said, “it is imperative that we institutionalize this very important platform — to improve access to quality Internet in the Philippines.”
SBN 1277 directs the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of the program.
The DICT shall also streamline the process for the application of permits and certificates for the construction of infrastructure and installation of equipment necessary, the measure stated.
“Now is the time to invest completely in developing internet quality and bringing this powerful tool to every port, every station, every park, every museum, and every classroom in the Philippines,” Aquino said.
The Free Internet Access in Public Places Act has passed the committee level and is ready for plenary deliberation./PN
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