Sen. Bam lauds signing of free internet in public places, his 18th law

Sen. Bam Aquino is delighted with the President's approval of the Free Internet Access Program in Public Places into law.

The President on Wednesday signed the measure into law, now known as Republic Act 10929. The law is Sen. Bam's 18th in his four years as senator and his first in the 17th Congress.

"Masaya tayo na isa sa ating naipasang panukala sa Senado ay batas na. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Pangulo sa kanyang paglagda bilang batas ang maging libre na ang internet sa mga pampublikong lugar," said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and co-author of the measure in the Senate in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology.

"This will expand internet access across public spaces in the Philippines, including public schools to aid in teaching methods and enhance learning," the senator added.

"There is also a provision for faster permitting for internet infrastructure, which is a key feature in the law to improve infrastructure development," added Sen. Bam.

The law provides free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries.

Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be mandated to craft a plan and a timeline for the rollout of this program.

Sen. Bam is also hopeful that the President will sign the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, another measure he sponsored and co-authored in the Senate.