MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino on Monday emphasized that the full implementation of Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, will allow more ordinary Filipinos, especially those who cannot afford internet services, to access reliable connectivity.

During the Senate Committee on Science and Technology hearing, which he chairs, Aquino said internet access has become essential for education, work, and daily life and should be available in schools, markets, hospitals, transport hubs, and government offices nationwide.

“Sa pag-push natin para ma-implementa ang batas na Free WiFi, lahat ng Pilipino dapat makinabang dito. Dahil ang access sa internet ay access sa kaalaman. Access sa pag-angat ng ating buhay,” Aquino said.

He added that the law should benefit students, teachers, commuters, entrepreneurs, and families who rely on dependable connectivity for learning, business, and communication.

Aquino stressed that a clear master plan and adequate funding are necessary for effective implementation, with well-defined responsibilities for government agencies.

“Ang unang hakbang para ma-fast track natin ito ay malaman natin kung ano ba ang mga plano, mayroon bang pondo, ano bang responsibilidad ng bawat ahensya dito sa pagpapatupad ng Free Internet Access Program in Public Places Act,” he said.

He also urged telecommunications companies to offer discounted internet rates to the Department of Education to ease the connectivity burden of public schools, noting that only 2,872 of 58,121 schools are currently connected to the program.

The DICT committed to connecting the remaining 11,964 unconnected public schools in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) by the end of the year. Telecommunication firms present expressed willingness to provide discounts to DepEd.