A MEMBER of the Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Friday pushed for the passage of a measure that seeks to provide free wireless Internet accessibility in government offices and other public places.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon urged the House leadership led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to give priority to House Bill 1550, or the proposed “Free Pubic Wi-Fi Act” that is being deliberated in the House committee on information and communication and technology.
“The Free Public Wi-Fi Act seeks to move government one step forward in providing democratic access to the Internet,” Ridon, a member of the House committee on information, communication and technology, said.
“Notwithstanding the issue of the mass accessibility and availability of personal electronic devices that people have to use in order to access public networks, government has to recognize that the Internet is an important mechanism in delivering some of its services and a valuable tool for people’s participation in governance and in democracy.
“One way to foster this democratic participation is to at least provide the people access to the Internet in many, if not all, of our government buildings and public establishments.”
Ridon cited a 2011 report published by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right of freedom of opinion and expression. It says “Given that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality, and accelerating development and human progress, ensuring universal access to the Internet should be a priority for all States.”
The measure, Ridon said, mandates the Department of Science and Technology to provide free Internet connectivity in buildings of all national government offices including its regional and satellite offices, in municipal halls and in provincial capitols, in state universities and colleges, in public parks and plazas, in public hospitals and even in public transportation terminals such as airports and public bus stations.
