Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  3200 
Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the 21st-century digital economy, connectivity is no longer a privilege—it is a necessity. 
Fast, reliable, and inclusive internet access is essential for education, commerce, governance, 
and innovation. Yet, while urban areas in the Philippines steadily integrate into the digital world, 
many rural and underserved communities remain excluded, reinforcing inequality and stalling 
development. 
This bill, the “Online Network Philippines Act,” seeks to bridge the digital divide by 
establishing a nationwide network of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs—
particularly in unserved and underserved areas. These hubs will provide digital access points, 
promote digital skills development, and enable e-government services, innovation, and 
entrepreneurship across the country. 
The measure draws its mandate from Article II, Sections 9 and 24 of the 1987 Constitution, 
which call on the State to promote equitable development and recognize the vital role of 
communication and information in nation-building. It builds upon key legislation such as Republic 
Act No. 10844, which created the Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT), and RA No. 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business Act,” by mandating faster LGU 
processing of ICT-related permits. 
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of digital transformation across 
sectors. However, digitalization must go together with reskilling and upskilling. As automation 
and digital tools displace traditional jobs, the workforce must be prepared to adapt. The bill 
mandates the creation of various types of ICT hubs—such as cyber learning centers, innovation 
incubators, and data farms—to serve as local engines for skills training, business incubation, 
and digital services. 
Aligned with RA No. 10929 (“Free Internet Access in Public Places Act”), this bill 
empowers the DICT to implement a National ICT Plan and the National Broadband Plan. It also 
tasks the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) with ensuring quality, speed, and 
open interconnection standards are met by telecommunications providers, with clear penalties 
for non-compliance. 
Moreover, the measure promotes inclusive digital literacy by establishing a national digital 
skills development program in partnership with DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, ensuring that 
Filipino learners and workers are equipped to thrive in the digital economy. 
This bill recognizes that ICT is not just infrastructure—it is a tool for economic resilience, 
August 6, 2025
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rural empowerment, and national progress. By investing in digital hubs, we empower 
communities, enhance government services, and unlock opportunities for every Filipino. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  3200 
Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS 
“AN ACT ESTABLISHING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS 
TECHNOLOGY HUBS NATIONWIDE” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Online Network 
Philippines Act". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of information 
and communication in development and in promoting growth in the countryside. To this 
end, the State shall encourage the expansion of information and communications 
technology (ICT) and infrastructure throughout the country to facilitate the access of the 
citizenry to goods and services. Pursuant thereto, the State shall establish ICT hubs 
throughout the country in accordance with the National ICT Roadmap and National ICT 
Plan. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act: 
(a)  Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a
network connection over a period.
(b)  Broadband refers to a high-capacity transmission technique using a wide
range of frequencies which enables many messages to be communicated
simultaneously. In the context of internet access, it refers to access that
1s continuing and unhindered, and faster than the traditional dial-up
mode.
(c)  Broadband network refers to a network able to transmit signals with a high
bit rate and a transmission channel being equal to or greater than two
megabits per second (2 mbps).
(d) Committed information rate refers to the information rate guaranteed by a
public telecommunications entity (PTE). The bandwidth cannot fall below
the committed rate of ninety-eight-point five percent (98.5%) of the time.


 
(e) Cyber skills learning hub or Digital transformation center refers to a facility 
specifically designed for cyber-education and digital literacy, and that 
provides knowledge. skills, theoretical and practical experiences, and 
access to technologies for all learners to become information and technology 
proficient. 
 
(f) Data farms refer to a physical facility that houses servers, network 
equipment, personnel like information technology specialists and 
network technicians for business-critical support such as online data 
storage, data processing, core computing services, data and application 
backup services, and distributing large amounts of data from remote data 
facilities. The operation and management thereof shall be subject to 
pertinent laws and policies on data security to prevent, detect and intercept 
unauthorized access to data, especially on matters of national security.  
 
(g) Digital innovation hub refers to a specialized business incubation and 
acceleration facility offering physical workspace, mentoring and coaching, 
and devices for technical application testing or experimenting, and 
training. It is a one-stop shop, usually but not always affiliated with 
educational institutions, that helps companies including start-ups to 
become more competitive regarding their business production processes, 
products or services using digital technologies by providing access to the 
latest knowledge, expertise and technology to support them. 
 
(h) Information and communications technology (ICT) refers to the totality of 
electronic means to access, create, collect, store, process, transmit, 
present, and disseminate information.  
 
(i) Information and communications technology hub (ICT hub) refers to a 
location where ICT services may be provided by a PTE with at least the 
minimum internet speed required by the National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC). Such services may include telecommunications 
services, broadband and convergence services, business processing and 
data management. 
 
(j) Information technology and business processing management hub refers 
to a location that caters to and offers support mechanisms for companies 
and enterprises engaged in IT services and business process 
management and operations. 
 
(k) Public telecommunications entity (PTE) refers to any person, natural or 
juridical, 
government or 
private engaged 
in the provision 
of 
telecommunications services to the public for compensation. 
 


SEC. 4. Establishment of Information and Communications Technology 
Hubs. - There shall be established ICT hubs all over the country in accordance with a 
National ICT Plan to be prepared 
by 
the Department of 
Information 
and 
Communications Technology (DICT). 
 
The ICT Plan shall assess the needs of every province in the country and identify 
the appropriate types and the number of ICT hubs to be developed therein. Every province 
shall have at least one (1) of the following classifications of ICT hubs based on the type of 
activity that it hosts: 
 
(a) Data Farms. 
(b) Information Technology (IT) and Business Processing Management (BPM) Hub. 
(c) Cyber Skills Leaming Hub and Digital Transformation Center (OTC). 
(d) Digital Innovation Hub; and 
(e) Any other ICT hub that may arise in the future. 
 
Pursuant to the ICT Plan and the national, provincial, city, or municipal spatial 
development plans, the DICT and the local government units (LGU) shall identify the areas 
where the ICT hubs shall be established based on geographical area and population: 
Provided, That [CT hubs shall be developed in geographically equitable and accessible 
locations throughout the province: Provided, further, That the area or site of an ICT hub 
shall be on a property owned by an LGU. 
 
The private sector shall be encouraged to establish ICT hubs in accordance with the 
standards set forth by DICT. The DICT shall employ the latest emerging technologies available 
to serve commercially unviable areas. 
 
SEC. 5. Role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT). - The DICT shall formulate a National ICT Plan, based on the National ICT Roadmap, 
which shall include the development of a national broadband network, provision of incentives 
to encourage private sector participation and promotion of competition. The Cybercrime 
Investigation and Coordinating Center of the DICT shall formulate, oversee and validate the 
ICT cyber plan of the ICT hubs. 
The DICT shall update the National ICT Plan and shall submit the same on or before 
the 15th of April of every year to the Office of President of the Republic of the Philippines, 
the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the ICT Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee established under this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. Advisory Committee. - There is hereby created an Advisory Committee 
that shall solicit inputs towards the shaping of policy directions of the National ICT Plan, 
including the supervision of ICT hubs and the coordination to be undertaken with the 
private sector and other agencies and instrumentalities of the government. The DICT shall 
determine the composition of the Advisory Committee and ensure the equal 
representation of the (a) government, (b) the service providers, (c) the end users, and (d) 
other industry stakeholders. 
SEC. 7. Role of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). - The 


NTC. Through the exercise of its quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers, shall be the 
primary infrastructure regulator to ensure the monitoring and implementation of this Act. 
The NTC shall approve proposed ICT hub telecommunications projects through an 
administrative process prescribed for the purpose and shall ensure the compliance of 
PTEs with the required and committed information rate and quality of service. All PTEs 
shall regularly submit the necessary data and reports as required by the NTC. 
SEC. 8. Incentives. - Any registered business enterprise in the ICT hub may be 
granted incentives provided under Title XIII of the National Internal Revenue Code of 
1997, as amended: Provided, That, these incentives shall be granted in addition to the 
incentives given by the LGU where such ICT hubs are located. 
 
The eligibility of the ICT hubs for the incentives provided herein should be within the 
boundaries of a performance-based, time-bound, and transparent system of incentives tailor-
fit for highly desirable ICT investments and shall be subject to compliance monitoring by the 
Fiscal Incentives and Review Board and the LGU where such ICT hubs are located. 
SEC. 9. Digital Skills Development. - The DICT, together with the Department of 
Education, Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority, shall establish a program on digital skills development for all 
learners to enhance their competitiveness, adaptability and employability in the emerging 
digital economy, which shall be integrated into the pertinent programs of the ICT hubs. 
 
SEC. 10. Digital Network Infrastructure. - A digital network infrastructure shall be 
established to connect the local ICT hubs to the National Broadband Program through a 
core backbone network of the DICT, to be funded from the spectrum users' fees. 
 
The DICT is hereby authorized to classify the said funds for capital outlay, which 
classification shall be furnished to and duly reflected by the Department of Budget and 
Management in its records. The release of funds shall be subject to applicable laws and 
existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 11. Local Government Responsibility. - The issuance of licenses and 
permits for ICT-related activities and infrastructure construction projects shall not be 
delayed and hampered, and shall further be prioritized, subject to the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government 
Service Delivery Act of 2018. 
 
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall include ICT 
competitiveness and ICT integration as a criterion of governance under the Seal of Good 
Local Governance program. 
 
SEC. 12. Private Sector Support and Public-Private Partnership. - The LOUs 
may engage the private sector through PPP agreements targeted towards financing, 
designing, implementing and operating infrastructure facilities and services for the ICT hub 
to maximize costs and allow for sharing of revenue, subject to the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 6957, otherwise known as "An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, 
Operation and Maintenance of Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector and for Other 
Purposes", as amended. 


 
SEC. 13. Prohibition Against  Exclusivity. - All ICT hubs established under this Act 
are hereby declared free zones within which any PTE may operate. Any agreement or 
arrangement designating a PTE, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, as an exclusive PTE 
within an ICT hub shall be void and unenforceable. The domestic internet exchanges shall 
be interconnected. The interconnection agreement between the PTEs shall be submitted 
to the NTC for its approval. If the parties fail to reach an agreement within ninety (90) days 
from the start of negotiation, the NTC shall intervene and prescribe the terms and 
conditions of the interconnection. 
 
SEC. 14. Penalties. - In the exercise of its quasi-judicial power, the NTC shall impose 
a fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) for (a) non-disclosure, (b) non- 
interconnection, or (c) non-compliance with the committed information rate and quality of 
service.  
 
The NTC shall increase the amount of fine every five (5) years subject to a certification 
from the NEDA on the computation of the cost of money based on the current consumer price 
index. 
SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DICT as the lead agency, together with NEDA, DILG, the League 
of Provinces and the Leagues of LGUs, the Board of Investments, the Philippine Economic 
Zone Authority, and the Advisory Committee, shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 16. JCT Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - An ICT Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee (ICTJCOC) is hereby created to monitor the effective 
implementation of this Act, recommend the necessary remedial legislative or administrative 
measures and perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to attain the 
objectives of this Act. 
 
It shall be composed of the Chairpersons of the House Committee on Information 
and Communications Technology and Senate Committee on Science and Technology and 
two (2) members from each of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall be 
designated by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
respectively: Provided, that one (1) member from each House shall be nominated by their 
respective Minority Leaders. 
 
The Chairpersons of the House Committee on Information and Communications 
Technology and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology shall serve as 
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson or vice versa of the ICTJCOC on a rotational basis 
every six (6) months. The Secretariat of the ICTJCOC shall be the existing secretariat 
personnel of the Committees concerned of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 
 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules 


and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of 
this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,