NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
S. No
SENATE
2676
ol tl’f s.c.Ttair
24 MRY 15 P3:14
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITIES GRANTED 
WITH CONGRESSIONAL FRANCHISES TO PROVIDE THEIR SUBSCRIBERS 
WITH FREE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With technology rapidly changing our social landscape, it has now become 
imperative for the government to ride the tide of technological advancement in order 
to provide a more efficient, safer, and equitable public service.
As prescribed by Article 2, Section 9 of the Constitution, it is the policy of the 
State to "... promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity 
and independence of the nation, and free the 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."
According to a Philippine study conducted last 20141, there are clear indications 
that the Philippines is "experiencing a 'digital divide'" - with sixty-six (66) percent of 
the middle to upper class being Internet users, as compared to users of the poor and 
very poor class belonging the thirty-five (35) percent and eighteen (18) percent of 
their respective demography.
1 Labucay, I. D. (2014). Patterns of Internet usage in the Philippines. In J.D. James (Ed.), The Internet and the 
Google age: Prospects and perils (pp. 27-49). Dublin: Research-publishing.net. doi: 10.14705/rpnet.2014.000176


By enjoining the participation of the private sector in connecting government 
services to the general public, we will be alleviating the technology-driven economic 
and social disparity currently present in our country.
With this proposed measure, the State will be able to figuratively and literally 
connect the masses and the government. Government websites containing invaluable 
information and documents will be more accessible to the public—freedom of 
information will truly be free, and scheduling applications such as those for passports 
and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances will be at the fingertips of every 
Filipino people.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
NUEL "IflTO" M. LAPID
Senator 
I


oUifK- 'ftnrr
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
24 mYl5 P3 -14
SENATE
S. No. 2676
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTITIES GRANTED 
WITH CONGRESSIONAL FRANCHISES TO PROVIDE THEIR SUBSCRIBERS 
WITH FREE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled.
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SECTION 1. Requirement - All franchise holders or owners of public 
telecommunications entities are required to provide free access to all government 
websites, including the websites of the Legislative, and Judicial branches of the 
government.
Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. -
(a) Government website - a website recognized by the Department of Information 
and Communications Technology, being maintained for the National 
Government, with the main purpose of communicating and providing 
information, departmental issuances, mandates and other vital information for 
the operation of the government and the general public;
(b) Free access - shall mean the provision of full and uninhibited access to 
government websites by telecommunications entities without charging their 
subscribers of any fees;


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(c) Public telecommunications entity - any person, firm, partnership or 
corporation, government or private, engaged in the provision of 
telecommunications services to the public for compensation;
(d) Subscriber - any person who uses, enjoys and pays for the services of public 
telecommunications entities;
(e) Telecommunications - any process which enables a telecommunications entity 
to relay and receive voice, data, electronic messages, written or printed matter, 
fixed or moving pictures, words, music or visible or audible signals or any 
control signals of any design and for any purpose by wire, radio or other 
electromagnetic, spectral, optical or technological means.
Sec. 3. Penalties. - Any franchise holder or owner of a public 
telecommunications entity who is found to have violated the provisions of this Act shall 
be punished by a fine of one peso (P 1.00) per subscriber or twenty million pesos 
(P20,000,000.00), whichever is lower, and/or by imprisonment of not less than six (6) 
months but not more than one (1) year, subject to the discretion of the court.
In case the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, or any other 
juridical person, the president, manager, administrator, or person-in-charge of the 
management of the business who knowingly and willfully voted or assented or acted 
with bad faith and gross negligence to the unlawfui action punishable under this Act 
shall be liable therefor. In addition, the license or permit to operate its business shall 
be cancelled.
Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National 
Telecommunications Commission, in consultation with the Department of Information 
and Communications Technology and other concerned agencies and entities, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days 
from the effectivity date of this Act, including guidelines and applications of exemption, 
system of warnings, penalties and appeals, and monitoring and compliance.


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Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules or regulations, other 
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly.
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, 
other parts or provisions hereof not affected thereby shall remain and continue to be 
in full force and effect.
Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers 
of general circulation.
Approved,