Press Release
January 28, 2011

ANGARA EYES REGULATORY BODY FOR IT SECTOR

Senator Edgardo J. Angara calls for the creation of an IT (Information Technology) regulatory body, following the recent release of reports predicting an increase in IT spending in 2011.

Global market intelligence provider IDC or the International Data Corporation recently published a forecast saying that the IT industry will see a significant boost in the new year. Both businesses and end-consumers are expected to steadily increase their IT spending because of the improving Philippine economy.

"In the previous years, we have seen that national recovery and economic progress are closely linked with the advancement of IT and Research and Development. It is therefore a very good sign that continuous growth is seen in the Philippine IT sector," said Angara.

According to Angara, head of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, a separate institution should be created to focus on the country's IT and R&D.

"Right now, the existing DOTC is overstretched due to the individual demands of the transportation and communication divisions. What we need now is a governing body specifically created to watch over the entire IT industry, for the safety and security of the consumers, and to ensure progress and growth in this sector."

Angara authored Senate Bill No. 50, or the "Department of Information and Communications Technology Act" which seeks to establish a state-run body to oversee the ICT sector in the country. Among the DICT's primary tasks are the following:

1) Promote the widespread use and development of emerging lCT

2) To ensure the growth of the ICT and ICT-enabled services sectors

3) To promote and assist the development of local ICT content, applications and services

4) To establish a strong and effective regulatory system that will ensure consumer protection and welfare and foster a healthy competitive environment

S.B. 50, An Act Creating The Department of Information and Communications Technology, Defining its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefore, and for Other Purposes, has been referred to and is now pending in the Committee on Science and Technology, awaiting the Second Reading.

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