Gov’t urged to classify internet as ‘5th utility’ as costs decline

2026-03-26 - 11:51

MANILA, Philippines — Advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines has reiterated its call for the government to classify internet access as the country’s “fifth” utility, alongside electricity, water, gas, and transportation, as its costs continue to decline. The group’s co-convenor, Atty. Kit Belmonte noted that internet access should be included in the top list of essential utilities