Stratbase warns Konektadong Pinoy Bill risks national sovereignty

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Manhit warned that the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Bill poses significant risks, including foreign surveillance, digital exploitation, and algorithmic manipulation, which threaten the country's national sovereignty.

Manhit stated that the bill, in its current form, lacks critical safeguards to ensure that expanded digital access does not compromise national security.

He expressed concern that without robust cybersecurity and data privacy protections, the bill could become a gateway for malign foreign influence, particularly from entities promoting pro-China narratives.

Manhit emphasized that inadequately secured digital infrastructure can be exploited as a tool of modern warfare through cyber threats, leading to mass exposure to surveillance, manipulation, and foreign interference.

He called on Congress to improve the bill's framework by mandating stringent cybersecurity standards, transparency measures, and accountability mechanisms.

To counter these risks, Manhit suggested implementing fact-based counter-disinformation campaigns, evidence-driven public communication strategies, grassroots digital literacy programs, regular cybersecurity audits, and strategic partnerships with trusted democratic allies.