Lawmaker Proposes Internet Refund and Data Rollover Bills to Protect Filipino Consumers
In a significant move to enhance consumer rights in the digital age, a Philippine lawmaker has introduced two legislative measures aimed at providing stronger protection for internet and mobile data subscribers. Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco revealed in an interview that he has filed House Bill Nos. 649 and 650, which focus on safeguarding users of data and internet services across the country.
Internet Refund Bill: Ensuring Quality Service Through Compensation
House Bill No. 649, dubbed the "Internet Refund Bill," seeks to improve the quality of internet service by mandating that service providers refund subscribers when they experience prolonged service interruptions. Under Tiangco's proposal, subscribers will be entitled to a refund if internet service outages accumulate to a total of 24 hours within a single month. The refund will be pro-rated, meaning the amount returned will depend on the actual duration of the service disruption, ensuring fair compensation for consumers.
"Layon ng Internet Refund Bill na mabigyan ng mas maayos na internet service ang mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng isang refund mechanism o pagbalik ng pera kapag hindi naibibigay ang serbisyong binabayaran ng tao," Tiangco explained. This translates to the bill's goal of providing Filipinos with better internet service by establishing a refund mechanism that allows consumers to get their money back when the paid-for service is not delivered.
Roll Over Data Bill: Preventing Waste of Prepaid Data
House Bill No. 650, known as the "Roll Over Data Bill," proposes that unused, prepaid data be rolled over to the next billing cycle. This measure would grant subscribers the right to fully consume the data they have already paid for, addressing a common issue where unused data is often wasted under current practices.
"Sa kasalukuyan, ang hindi nagamit ng mga subscribers na data eh nasasayang lang. Ang ating panukala ay i-roll over ito sa next billing cycle at bigyan ang subscriber ng karapatan na magamit ito dahil bayad na naman nila ito," Tiangco elaborated. He added that this proposal would greatly benefit consumers, especially those with limited budgets, by maximizing the value of their prepaid plans.
Internet as an Essential Service in Modern Life
Tiangco emphasized that internet access has become an essential service in today's society, utilized not only for social media but also for critical activities such as education, business operations, remote work, and daily transactions. "Napakahalaga ng internet sa makabagong panahon ngayon. Hangarin natin na mapagaan naman sa bulsa ng mga mamamayan ang essential na serbisyong ito," he pointed out, underscoring the need to make this vital service more affordable and reliable for all Filipinos.
These bills represent a proactive step towards addressing consumer concerns in the telecommunications sector, potentially setting a precedent for improved service standards and greater accountability among providers. As the measures move through the legislative process, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how they impact the everyday lives of internet and mobile data users nationwide.
