An executive order (EO) on liberalizing satellite access to enhance Internet connectivity in the Philippines is far from possible, because by doing so President Rodrigo Duterte may step on the powers of Congress. Furthermore, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the proposal of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) needs to be studied further.
PCCI earlier urged the President to sign an EO that will allow Internet service providers to utilize satellite technology for the improvement of connectivity in the country.
PCCI President Amb. Benedicto Yujuico underscores technology’s crucial role in countering the challenges of survival, recovery, resilience, and sustainability.
The President has previously declared that the government will move ahead with the country’s digital transformation, allocating funds for related projects in 2021. P21.4 billion has been budgeted for the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative to ensure interoperability of ICT resources and programs.