Members of Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), led by former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, have filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the country’s slow and costly internet services compared with other nations.
Romualdez stressed that despite new legislation aimed at improving connectivity, many Filipinos still lack reliable access.
“The necessary laws are in place, the newest of which is Konektadong Pinoy Act. But something is not right. We need internet in many aspects of our life. Yet, half of Pinoys are not konektado,” he said.
House Resolution 823, authored by Quezon 2nd District Representative David Suarez and Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun, urges the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology to conduct the inquiry. The measure was signed by 75 Lakas-CMD members.
Romualdez explained that the resolution aims to examine the reliability, quality, affordability, and consumer remedies related to internet and data transmission services in the Philippines.
He emphasized that affordable and dependable internet is now essential for education, healthcare, commerce, financial inclusion, and disaster resilience.
Suarez cited findings from the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s 2024 National ICT Household Study showing that only 48.8 percent of Filipino households have internet access, with high subscription costs as the main barrier.
Khonghun added that as of March 2025, the Philippines ranked 53rd out of 154 countries in internet speed. He noted that data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies showed the country has the most expensive monthly internet among ASEAN-5 nations, averaging $44.93.
“The country’s internet connectivity continues to lag behind its regional peers in terms of affordability, speed, and access,” Khonghun said.
The resolution forms part of the GINHAWA KIT (Kuryente–Internet–Trabaho) legislative package of Lakas-CMD, which aims to lower electricity costs, improve internet access, and expand job opportunities for Filipinos.