Senate Dottier of the furrenty TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 SEP -4 P1:23 SENATE S. No. 1347 REC VED Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FREE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES FROM TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE In today's digital age, access to government information and services is a fundamental right of every Filipino. The internet has become the primary means by which citizens communicate with government agencies, access vital public services, and obtain critical information on matters such as health, education, employment, taxation, disaster preparedness, and social protection. However, the cost of mobile data and broadband access in the Philippines remains high compared to regional standards, creating barriers to inclusive governance and citizen participation. Many Filipinos, especially those in low-income households and underserved communities, are unable to regularly access online government services due to prohibitive costs. This bill seeks to address this gap by mandating telecommunication providers to provide free access to all official government websites. By removing the cost barrier, the measure ensures that every Filipino, regardless of income, status, or location, can freely obtain information and avail themselves of digital government services without additional financial burden. The proposal is consistent with the State's policy to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment through accessible information and
communication technology. It also supports the government's thrust toward digital transformation and inclusive governance, aligned with the principles of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (R.A. No. 11032) and the Freedom of Information Executive Order (E.O. No. 2, s. 2016). In effect, this measure will not only expand access to vital services but also strengthen democratic participation, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and help bridge the country's digital divide. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO
senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Is Office of the accretary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) SEP -4 P1:23 S. No._ SO 1347 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FREE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES FROM TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress Assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. — This law shall be known as the "Free Access to Government
2 Websites Act".
Section 2. Definition of Terms. - The terms shall be defined in this Act, as follows:
a) Internet Service Providers or "ISP" shall refer to an entity, with or without a Congressional franchise, registered as a value-added service (VAS) provider from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to build, install, operate, and maintain an Internet network in order to offer Internet access services to the public for compensation; and b) Public Telecommunications Entity or "PTEs" shall refer to any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, government or private, engaged in the provision of telecommunications services to the public for compensation. c) Government Digital Platforms shall include official websites, online portals, and mobile applications owned, managed, or maintained by national government agencies, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities of the State.
Section 3. Coverage. - All PTEs and ISPs shall provide free and unhampered
2 access to all government digital platforms. This shall include, but not be limited to, portals 3 and applications relating to healthcare, education, social welfare, taxation, licensing, 4 public safety, disaster response, and other basic services.
Section 4. Lead Agency. - The Department of Information and Communications
6 Technology (DICT) shall be the lead agency in the implementation of this Act. The DICT shall coordinate with the NTC, the National Privacy Commission, and other agencies as may be necessary to ensure secure and reliable access to government digital platforms, 9 compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity standards, and accessibility for persons 10 with disabilities, in line with RA 7277 and other laws.
Section 5. Penalty. — Failure of any internet service provider or public
telecommunication entity to provide free access to government websites under this Act shall be ground for suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of the PTE's Provisional 14 Authority or Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or cancel the registration of an ISP, whichever applies, including the waiving of any pre-termination fees of affected subscribers and timely disbursement of any remaining credits from excessive downtime. 17 The foregoing is without prejudice to any other remedies available to the NTC under 18 existing law/s.
Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the DICT and the NTC shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Section 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any separable provision of this Act be declared
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in force.
Section 9. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication
2 in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,