Sen. Bam Aquino on Tuesday committed to working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure the proper implementation of the Free Wi-Fi Law nationwide.
“It’s important to ensure that the law is fully and properly implemented, especially now when internet access is a big help to students,” Aquino said.
“It expands their opportunities to learn and makes it easier to access additional knowledge and learning materials,” he added.
The senator met with DICT Secretary Henry Aguda to address ongoing challenges in carrying out Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, particularly in areas with limited connectivity.
As the principal sponsor and co-author of the Free Wi-Fi Law during his term as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Aquino emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the law’s rollout.
He also vowed to push for adequate funding during the upcoming national budget deliberations to guarantee the law’s full implementation.
The Free Wi-Fi Law mandates free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals, and libraries. It was enacted in 2017 as part of the government’s broader initiative to expand digital infrastructure and bridge the country’s digital divide.
