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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – Through the internet, government agencies could help the public better understand how the state works, Aquilino Pimentel III said.
Putting out information online is how agencies could take advantage of the law providing free internet access in public places, said the Senate president.
The Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (Republic Act 10929) was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte into law on Aug. 2.
“We have to make people better understand how government agencies work, the dynamics between the different branches of government, our specific roles, and the part citizens play in governance,” Pimentel said yesterday.
He revealed that the Senate will produce a series of short videos explaining the steps in lawmaking, including budgeting, and the purposes and functions of congressional inquiries.
Schools have not been successful in making people understand how government works, Pimentel said.
“There have been studies and polls that show Filipinos expect legislators to provide projects rather than pass laws,” he said. “This basic misappreciation of the role of the legislative branch is indicative of the necessity for us in the Senate to help educate the public about what we in the Senate do and how we do it.”
Under the law, free internet services shall be made available in public areas such as national and local government offices; public basic education institutions; public hospitals, health centers, and rural health units; public parks, plazas, libraries, and barangay reading centers; public airports and seaports; and public transport terminals.
The Department of Information and Communication Technology, as implementing agency, shall ensure that a minimum internet speed of 2 Mbps, the law stated. It is also authorized to partner with the private sector to implement the Free Internet Access Program./PN
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