Arthur Fuentes

Article (news)

Marcos telco summit

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<div> </div>MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday promised to continue and see through the reforms in the Philippine telecommunications sector so more Filipinos could access the internet, describing connectivity as a “right, a necessity, and a lifeline.”During his speech at the Philippine Telecom Summit 2026, Marcos cited the enactment of the  Konektadong Pinoy Act, the completion of some phases of the National Fiber Backbone Project, and the rollout of the government’s free WiFi program.He praised these reforms, saying more Filipinos were able to access connectivity in recent years, just as he noted that the Philippine telecommunications sector was valued at more than $6-billion in 2025.“More importantly than that figure is what it represents: years of investment, progressive reform, and a clear belief that digital access can uplift lives,” the President said in his speech.“We have seen this progress take shape. The rollout of 5G networks, the deployment of fiber-optic cables, the growth of mobile broadband, and the rise of digital services have transformed how Filipinos communicate, how they study, do business, and engage with government,” he added.Aside from these, Marcos noted the progress made when it comes to broadband and mobile internet speeds.This means faster access to education, health services, government programs, and livelihood. But real progress, he said, could not be only measured by internet speed – this should also translate to opportunities on the ground.The Philippine leader also lamented the challenges, such as permit delays, right-of-way restrictions, fiber cuts, and power interruptions, which he said affect real lives, limit access to education, and constrain economic opportunities.“While our cities enjoy high-speed and reliable service, many rural and remote areas—coastal communities, mountainous regions, and smaller islands—continue to face unstable signals and limited broadband access,” the President said.These challenges, he said, “slow national progress,” which was why all sectors must be involved to address these.“Kailangan magkaisa ang pamahalaan, ang pribadong sektor, at mga lokal na pamayanan—sapagkat walang iisang sektor lamang ang kayang harapin ang mga hamong ito. Kumilos tayo na may isang hangarin: ang maghatid ng pag-asa, ng ginhawa, at pagkakataon sa bawat Pilipino,” he said.Earlier, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda noted the importance of the Konektadong Pinoy Act and the National Digital Connectivity Plan, which he said would lead to becoming the “ultimate digital glow-up roadmap of the Philippines.”The Konektadong Pinoy Act mandates infrastructure sharing and removes the barriers that Marcos Jr. has described as slowed progress and limited competition.”The President also recently signed the National Digital Connectivity Plan– an 11-year framework that seeks to provide fast, reliable, and resilient connectivity to millions of Filipinos.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday promised to continue and see through the reforms in the Philippine telecommunications sector so more Filipinos could access the internet, describing connectivity as a “right, a necessity, and a lifeline.”

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday promised to continue and see through the reforms in the Philippine telecommunications sector so more Filipinos could access the internet, describing connectivity as a “right, a necessity, and a lifeline.”

'Right, necessity, lifeline': Marcos vows to continue reforms to make internet accessible to more Filipinos

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'Right, necessity, lifeline': Marcos vows to continue reforms to make internet accessible to more Filipinos

Job Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 05, 2026 05:18 PM PHT

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Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

internet

connectivity

Konektadong Pinoy Act

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