New Rules for a Connected Philippines: What the Konektadong Pinoy IRR Means
The Philippine government has taken a decisive step toward fulfilling its promise of universal internet access with the formal signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Konektadong Pinoy Act. This landmark move, which occurred on November 5, 2025, officially sets the stage for a nationwide push to provide affordable, reliable, and faster internet service to millions of Filipinos.
Key Details of the Ceremonial Signing
The ceremonial signing was a collaborative effort among the nation's key regulatory and economic bodies. The signatories included Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Executive Director Kenneth Tanate, and lawyer Alfred Francis Gallegos representing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The event was held at the DICT office in Quezon City, and the DEPDev officially announced the signing in a press release on Friday, November 7, 2025.
According to the official release, the new IRR is set to take effect 15 calendar days after its publication in official gazettes, marking the start of its enforceable implementation.
Building a Safer, More Inclusive Internet Landscape
The newly signed rules are not merely about expanding access; they are about ensuring quality and security. The IRR establishes clear performance standards and cybersecurity safeguards, guaranteeing that internet services are not only accessible but also safe and dependable for all users.
In a significant boost for local entrepreneurship and community development, the regulations also introduce simplified registration and streamlined processes for smaller and community-based providers. This crucial provision is designed to break down barriers, making it easier for these providers to bring much-needed connectivity to remote and long-underserved areas across the Philippine archipelago.
A Vision for Socioeconomic Empowerment
During the signing ceremony, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized that the law's impact goes beyond physical infrastructure. He stated that the Konektadong Pinoy Act is ultimately about people. It is a tool to ensure that students can learn effectively, that small enterprises can thrive in the digital economy, and that local governments can deliver better public services through enhanced connectivity.
"Connectivity is not merely convenient," Balisacan remarked. "It is essential to socioeconomic participation and central to enabling innovation, education, and progress." This vision aligns with the DEPDev's broader policy advocacy, including its work on the 2024 Policy Note on Open Access in Data Transmission.
With the IRR now signed, the Philippines moves closer to bridging its digital divide, empowering its citizens to fully participate in the modern, connected world.
