Honasan flags Konektadong Pinoy bill risks

THE Konektadong Pinoy bill lacks safeguards that could result in data breaches or disruptions to national digital infrastructure, according to a former secretary of Information and Communications Technology.

“Without a prior legally mandated national security vetting process in allowing Data Transmission Participants, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) alone cannot provide the necessary level of scrutiny and accountability,” former secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.

Mr. Honasan was quoted in a statement issued on Tuesday by Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO).

The PCTO has expressed its opposition to the bill, noting gaps in regulatory oversight and national security risks.

Mr. Honasan singled out the looser rules governing foreign-controlled firms seeking to construct or operate international cable landing stations and satellite gateways.

The PCTO has urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to veto the Konektadong Pinoy bill.

Mr. Honasan called for explicit provisions in the bill that would establish legal accountability for any negligence leading to breaches or service interruptions in critical systems.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has said that it is confident that the bill will be signed into law.

The Senate and House of Representatives ratified on June 9 the bicameral conference committee report of Konektadong Pinoy.

Telcos consider the current version of the measure to pose a threat to the industry, specifically the two-year grace period for data transmission companies to ensure their systems are secure. — Ashley Erika O. Jose