The Philippines’ Open Access to Data Transmission Bill

Both chambers of Congress have approved the bicameral version of the Open Access to Data Transmission Bill, which includes a vaguely worded data policy provision that could be broadly interpreted in the drafting of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The next step is for Congress to enroll the Bill with the Office of the President for presidential action. If signed into law and enacted, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) must issue the IRR within 90 days. To discuss its implications and align on next steps, the Council will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM Philippine Standard Time (Monday, June 16, 2025, at 9:00 PM Washington, D.C. Time). Members may register through this link; the Zoom details will be shared upon confirmation of registration.

Legislative Update: Final Bill Passed, Pending Enrollment with the Office of the President

On June 9, both the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives have approved the bicameral conference committee report on the Open Access to Data Transmission Bill, also known as the Konektadong Pinoy Act. The Bill aims to modernize the country’s data infrastructure by promoting market liberalization, infrastructure sharing, and regulatory streamlining.

We have been informed that the final version of the Bill includes a new provision that remains vague and may be subject to broad interpretation during the development of the bill’s IRR. As the legislative process has concluded, no further amendments can be made at this stage.

The Bill is now expected to be enrolled to the Office of the President, which may sign it into law, allow it to lapse into law 30 days after receipt, or veto the bill in its entirety. A line-item veto is not permitted, as this is not a revenue measure. Given that this legislation is considered a priority by both government and the business sector, absent any binding data localization provision, the Bill is highly expected to be signed into law.

Once signed and enacted, the law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. The DICT will be mandated to issue the IRR within 90 days. These rules will determine how key provisions, including the newly added data policy mandate, will be operationalized. The effectiveness of the law will largely depend on how the IRR interprets and defines the scope of the DICT’s authority.

Should you have any questions, please contact Cath Salazar at csalazar@usasean.org and Jileen Yong at jyong@usasean.org.