Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
20th Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO III 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In recent years, the government has made significant strides in promoting financial 
inclusion and digitalization. The use of mobile banking and e-wallet applications has 
grown rapidly, providing millions of Filipinos with access to essential financial services 
such as savings, fund transfers, payments, and government assistance programs. 
However, access to these services remains inequitable. A major barrier is mobile data 
cost, which disproportionately affects low-income households, especially those in rural 
and geographically isolated areas. Many Filipinos are unable to check their account 
balances, receive remittances, or pay bills online simply because they lack prepaid 
load or mobile data. 
This proposed measure seeks to remove that barrier by mandating all Mobile Network 
Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to zero-rate or waive data 
charges for accessing mobile banking and e-wallet applications that are duly licensed 
and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In doing so, this bill aims to 
institutionalize free and universal access to digital financial services, ensuring that all 
citizens—regardless of income or location—can participate in the digital economy. 
By enabling free data access to these critical platforms, this bill aims to: strengthen 
financial inclusion for the unbanked and underserved; enhance the delivery of 
government aid and subsidies through digital channels; support the growth of micro, 
small, and informal enterprises who rely on mobile wallets; and reduce physical visits 
to banks and payment centers, thereby promoting efficiency and safety. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO 
July 1, 2025
5:40 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
20th Congress 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO III 
AN ACT  
Mandating All Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to 
Provide Free Data Access to Mobile Banking and E-Wallet Applications, 
Promoting Inclusive and Accessible Digital Financial Services 
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 “Free Access to Digital 
Financial Services Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy -  It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote 
financial inclusion and digital equity by ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of 
economic status or geographic location, have access to essential financial services. 
In line with this, the State shall mandate the provision of free data access to mobile 
banking and e-wallet applications. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act: 
a. Mobile Banking Applications refer to official mobile applications developed and
maintained by banks duly licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for
digital financial services, including balance inquiries, fund transfers, and
payments.
b. E-Wallet Applications refer to digital wallet services licensed and regulated by
the BSP that allow users to store, transfer, and manage electronic money.
c. Zero-Rating refers to the practice of providing users access to certain online
content or applications without consuming their data allocation or incurring
mobile data charges.
d. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) refer to entities authorized by the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to provide mobile telecommunications
services.
e. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) refer to entities licensed by the NTC to
provide internet connectivity services to the public.
SEC. 4. Mandatory Free Data Access - All Mobile Network Operators and Internet 
Service Providers operating in the Philippines shall: 
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a. Zero-rate the access and data usage of mobile banking and e-wallet applications 
that are duly licensed and regulated by the BSP; 
b. Ensure that users shall not incur any data charges when accessing said 
applications, regardless of whether they have existing data subscriptions or 
prepaid load; 
c. Guarantee uninterrupted and equitable access across all regions of the country, 
including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). 
 
SEC. 5. Coverage and Eligibility – This Act shall cover: 
a. Only mobile applications officially recognized and registered with the BSP shall 
be included in the list of eligible applications for zero-rating; 
b. The BSP shall regularly update and publish the official list of covered mobile 
banking and e-wallet applications; 
c. Financial service providers must ensure that their apps are compatible with zero-
rating configurations and coordinate with MNOs and ISPs for implementation. 
 
SEC. 6. Implementation and Monitoring – The National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC), in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and 
the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), shall issue 
the implementing rules and regulations of this Act, including technical standards and 
compliance mechanism within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act,   
The NTC shall conduct regular audits and submit an annual report to Congress 
on compliance and the impact of this policy on financial inclusion. 
 
SEC. 7. Penalties - Any Mobile Network Operator or Internet Service Provider found 
to be in violation of this Act shall be subject to the following penalties: 
a. An administrative fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(₱500,000.00) for each instance of non-compliance; 
b. Suspension or revocation of licenses or permits as deemed appropriate by the 
NTC; 
c. Additional penalties under existing laws, if applicable. 
 
SEC. 8. Separability Clause - If any part or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,