CITIZENWATCH Philippines on Wednesday urged policymakers to prioritize legislation that dismantles regulatory blocks currently stalling the country’s digital infrastructure rollout.
In a statement, the advocacy group emphasized the urgent need to modernize the National Building Code, streamline right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, and clarify rules that allow homeowners’ association (HOA) restrictions to impede access of telecommunications companies.
‘We support the national commitment to digital transformation,’ said Orlando O. Oxales, Lead Convenor of CitizenWatch. ‘To move forward, we need enabling policies that shatter outdated restrictions. Connectivity must be treated as a basic utility, not a privilege,’ he said in a press statement,
Oxales noted that critical legislative proposals-such as measures covering telecommunications readiness of buildings (House Bill 900), ICT infrastructure requirements for housing developments (HB 4472), and ROW guidelines (HB 6571)-were filed in the last Congress but have yet to be refiled in the current 20th Congress.
‘These are critical measures that demand immediate prioritization,’ Oxales said. ‘We urge lawmakers to refile, refine, and pass these bills to create a legal environment fully responsive to modern connectivity needs.’
The group cited persistent barriers telcos face: outdated building codes, restrictive HOA practices, and lengthy, fragmented ROW permitting at the local level.
‘Our Building Code dates back to 1977, long before internet connectivity became essential to life,’ Oxales said. ‘As a result, many buildings lack the necessary provisions for broadband infrastructure, leading to limited or delayed access for residents.’
CitizenWatch strongly supports proposals to mandate telco-ready designs in building plans-from in-building fiber pathways to network access points-integrating these requirements into the permitting and occupancy process.
‘Proactively designing for digital connectivity ensures no community is left behind,’ Oxales added. ‘It also slashes the cost and complexity for providers, directly benefiting consumers.’
Oxales added that reforms must prevent the misuse of the Magna Carta for Homeowners Associations to block vital infrastructure.
‘If the internet is now considered a basic need, then access to it should not be subject to a ‘social acceptability’ requirement,’ he asserted. ‘We do not require public consultation to install water pipes or power lines because they are essential utilities. Internet connectivity must be treated with the same level of non-negotiable importance.’
The group also pointed out that requiring access for multiple telcos to a building or community is vital to foster competition and improve service quality. ‘These reforms must mandate infrastructure designs that accommodate multiple telcos, so residents aren’t forced to rely on just one provider,’ Oxales noted.
‘This prevents a monopoly situation where one internet service provider can hold a building or community hostage.’
The group underscored the importance of aggressively addressing ROW challenges, which continue to cause significant delays in the deployment and energization of telco towers and underground fiber. While the 19th Congress ratified the reconciled version of the ‘Arrow’ Act, CitizenWatch believes there is still room to strengthen its implementation and coordination among national agencies, local governments, and utility providers.
‘We can further streamline permits and harmonize standards across all agencies and LGUs,’ Oxales said. ‘This is essential for rapidly scaling infrastructure rollout, especially in underserved areas.’
Moreover, CitizenWatch called for crafting a national policy guidance to prohibit HOAs and developers from creating arbitrary barriers to telco access. The group advocates for clear rules that ensure fair, non-discriminatory, and reasonable access for telcos and ISPs, especially in high-density residential and commercial developments.
‘Connectivity must be available to all, regardless of whether they live in gated communities, condominiums, or urban centers,’ Oxales said. ‘Policy clarity eliminates inconsistent interpretations that deprive residents of essential broadband connectivity.’
As the demand for digital services continues to rise across education, healthcare, business, and governance, CitizenWatch stressed the urgency of institutionalizing these reforms to enable rapid last-mile connectivity.
‘Digital access is no longer optional-it is foundational to inclusive development,’ Oxales concluded. ‘We urge lawmakers and agencies to swiftly remove every barrier limiting our people’s full participation in the digital economy.’