At least 53 Philippine medical and healthcare associations have formally urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the Konektadong Pinoy bill, warning that the country’s poor digital infrastructure threatens to undo progress in universal healthcare delivery.
In a joint statement, the medical groups — led by the Philippine Medical Association and the Asia Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Health Care — said that nearly 19,000 barangays (45 percent) remain without digital infrastructure, while over 37 percent of Filipino households remain offline, citing Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) data.
“Many rural health units still operate on pen and paper, unable to access or submit electronic records,” said Dr. Hector Santos, PMA president. The associations stressed that connectivity is essential to operating health information systems (HIS) and complying with the Universal Health Care Law, which mandates electronic medical records.
Dr. Antonio Dans, president of the Asia Pacific Center, said the lack of internet was the primary barrier in pilot testing primary care in rural areas. The bill, he added, is crucial for providing remote health workers with access to digital tools and empowering patients, including those with disabilities, through telemedicine and virtual consultations.
The healthcare sector’s support joins a growing coalition backing the bill, including 35 private sector and civil society groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, and key executive agencies such as the DICT, DEPDev, and Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).
The Konektadong Pinoy bill is being positioned as a game-changing digital inclusion measure, with the potential to boost competition, expand internet access, and reduce costs for millions of Filipinos.
Earlier online opposition, however, voiced concerns about national security and foreign involvement. A 2024 report, for instance, warned the proposal could open the door to “foreign control of vital infrastructure,” while some regional publications cited fears of surveillance risks and insufficient safeguards.
Despite these claims, the bill’s supporters argue that its health, economic, and social benefits far outweigh potential threats, particularly for underserved communities still disconnected from digital services.
If enacted, the legislation could lay the groundwork for more equitable digital access, ultimately improving healthcare delivery across the archipelago.
