Senator Bam Aquino has pledged to collaborate closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure the full implementation of the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, particularly in underserved areas with inadequate connectivity.
Aquino met with DICT Secretary Henry Aguda to discuss the ongoing challenges in rolling out Republic Act No. 10929, which mandates free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, transport terminals, public hospitals, and libraries.
As the sponsor and co-author of the law during his previous term as chair of the Senate science and technology committee, Aquino emphasized the importance of proper implementation in expanding access to education and learning tools. “It’s important to ensure the law is fully and properly implemented, especially now that internet access is a big help to students,” he stated.
He expressed his commitment to coordinate with the DICT to address implementation issues and enhance the program’s reach. “We will work with the DICT to address the challenges in the implementation of the law,” Aquino affirmed.
Additionally, Aquino committed to advocating for sufficient budget support for the Free Wi-Fi Law during the upcoming budget deliberations in Congress. Beyond championing the Free Wi-Fi Law, he was also a co-author of Republic Act No. 10844, which established the DICT.