The Philippines took a major step toward providing faster, more reliable and affordable internet access across the nation with the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, or Republic Act No. 12234, according the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC).
The JFC, a coalition of American, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers, commended the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the prompt issuance of the IRR, calling the law a “landmark measure for digital inclusion.”
The IRR, signed at the DICT headquarters on Nov. 5, 2025, establishes performance standards and cybersecurity safeguards to ensure that internet services are not only accessible but also safe and dependable. It also simplifies registration and streamlines processes for smaller and community-based providers, making it easier for them to bring connectivity to underserved areas.
The JFC said the move reflects the government’s strong commitment to expanding digital connectivity and promoting greater inclusion nationwide.
The timely rollout of the law is expected to accelerate broadband infrastructure development, widen access to high-speed internet and strengthen competition among service providers, it said.
“The Konektadong Pinoy Act is a landmark measure for digital inclusion, and the JFC has been a strong advocate for its enactment since it was first filed in the 17th Congress. Its passage and early implementation mark a major step forward in modernizing the Philippines’ digital landscape and bridging the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas,” said Arangkada project director Steve Winkates.
Winkates said the new law means better access to online education, digital health services, e-commerce and many other opportunities for millions of Filipinos. The JFC pledged its commitment to working closely with the DICT and other stakeholders to ensure the Act’s effective implementation and advance the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the IRR strengthens the country’s resolve to build a “more connected, competitive and inclusive Philippines.”
He said the law’s passage and adoption of its IRR signal a decisive advance toward harnessing digital innovation as a catalyst for productivity and equitable growth, a key objective of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
