Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._8608

Introduced by: CONG. “KUYA” JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The new normal in the community has prompted the entry of telecommunication
companies that have promised to provide more efficient services. However, their
participation has not yet materialized into extensive coverage for all, especially those in
remote areas. This bili ultimately aims to increase connectivity in the country by providing
readily-available data with regard the coverage of public telecommunications entities in
the country. The proposed mandatory disclosure of coverage data will provide useful
information to policymakers, private sector players, and other interested stakeholders, and
understand the roadmap connectivity, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each
telecommunications entity in their area.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly asaght.

‘ONIO R. SY-ALVARADO.
fepresentative
st District of Bulacan

CONG. “KUYA” JOS!


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8698

Introduced by: CONt

“KUYA” JOSE ANTONIO R. SY-ALVARADO

AN ACT
MANDATING PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITIES TO DISCLOSE
SERVICE COVERAGE DATA TO THE PUBLIC

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 “Lingkod Iwas Lokohan sa
Data Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote a just and
dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity of the nation and free he people from
poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment,
a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. Towards these ends, the
use of technology and increased connectivity for all citizens shall be encouraged.

SECTION 3. Mandatory Disclosure of Coverage Data, ~ All public
telecommunications entities, including internet service providers, operating in the
Philippines shall be required to disclose and publish, on an annual basis, their coverage
data as provided under Section 4 of this Act. Without prejudice to Section 5 of this Act,
the coverage data of each public telecommunications entities shall be publicly available
and posted on their websites.

SECTION. 4. Data Subject of Mandatory Disclosure. ~

‘* A publicly accessible map online that depicts the availability and scope of mobile
and fixed broadband internet access service and/or mobile telecommunications
services within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; and

* A specification of the network or internet type (GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, ete.) used in
the geographical region.

SECTION 5. Indexing System. — The Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT) shall create a unified indexing system of data
released by public telecommunications entities under a singular platform. The platform
shall include, but not be limited, to:
© Adisplay of the geographical coverage of intemet and telecommunications services
in the Philippines;
‘* Crowdsourcing facilities that allow third party users to submit information on
coverage of telecommunications and internet services; and
© Other information that will provide the public with knowledge of the
telecommunications and internet coverage in the Philippines.


SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DICT, in consultation with
relevant agencies and other stakeholders, shall promulgate and issue the implementing
rules and regulations of this Act within 30 days from its effectivity.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision
of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. ~ All provisions of existing laws, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of
its publication in the Official Gazette and two (2) major newspapers of general circulation,