First nominee of Click Partylist, Atty. Nick Conti, is pushing to strengthen digital rights and expand nationwide free internet access if he secures a seat in the Senate.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Thursday, Conti emphasized that while technology has transformed the way Filipinos communicate, learn, and work, the country’s laws have not kept pace with the digital revolution.
“Kami ay naniniwala na ang digital access ay para sa lahat, hindi lamang para sa may kwarta o mayaman, hindi lang para sa may signal. Ang access sa digital technology ay para sa lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino,” Conti said.
“As a matter of fact, ang batas po natin sa Data privacy 2012 pa,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need to update the country’s legal framework to address modern threats like online scams, data breaches, and cybercrime.
If elected, Conti stated the first legislative proposal he will file is a Digital Rights Law, which will define and protect the rights of digital citizens—ranging from students and remote workers to freelance content creators and IT professionals.
He compared this to existing institutions like The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), a government agency that regulates television content, highlighting that digital content lacks the same protections, especially for children.
“Kaya importante na ma-establish ang rights ng mga tao,” he explained. “’Yun ang batas na una nating isusulong—maging maliwanag ang mga karapatan ng mga tao sa digital space,” Conti added.
Conti also stressed the need to strengthen the Data Privacy Act and to pass a comprehensive cybersecurity law, ensuring that both government and private holders of sensitive data are accountable.
“Dapat palakasin natin ang ating Data Privacy Act. Nakakanerbyos ang data natin kung saan saan napupunta. May nagtetext sa’yo kung ano-ano,” he expressed concern.
“Ipasa ang pending bill na palakasin ang cyber security ng bansa upang sa ganoon ay maging responsable ang may mga hawak na data, gobyerno man o pribado. Kailangan proteksyunan itong mga impormasyon na ito ng ating mamamayan,” he affirmed.
Proposed initiatives to fight fake news and online scams
Moreover, Conti also called for accountability among digital platforms for the spread of fake news and online scams, suggesting mandated fact-checking and regulation of content platforms, especially when children are involved.
“I-mandate sila na mag fact-check, totoo namna na mayroon silang pondo for fact-checking pero dapat i-intesify nila ‘yan. Responsibilidad ng platform na kontrolin ang paglaganap ng fake news at misinformation,” he emphasized.
He pointed out the imbalance in taxation policies, arguing that content creators are often penalized while the large platforms profiting from their work remain untouched.
“Ang patawan mo ng buwis ‘yung platform na kumikita dahil sa talento at galing ng mga Pilipino,” he said.
Meanwhile, he aims to propose the Cybercrime Prevention and Assistance Act, to strengthen the law amid the rampant reports of online scams.
“Kinakailangan palakasin pa ang ating batas laban sa online scam, itaas ang parusa at dagdagan ang pananagutan hindi lang ng mga nang-ii-scam kundi ang mga platform na ginagamit ay mayroon silang pananagutan,” he pointed out.
“Magpasa tayo ng Cybercrime Prevention and Assistance Act. Pigilan natin pero kung hindi mangyayari kinakailangan merong numerong tatawagan. Kinakailangan may legal assistance. Dahil hindi alam ng ibang tao how to deal with these new technology, this digital age,” Atty. Conti added.
Pushing for digital governance to combat corruption
As a former commissioner of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Conti brings with him experience in fighting corruption, together with Click Partylist, he wants to modernize the system.
“Ang Click Partylist ang magsusulong ng mga batas to promote and protect our digital citizens ngayong panahon ng digital age,” he declared.
Conti further shared that one of the partylist's most compelling proposals is its vision for digital governance as a tool to curb corruption.
By digitizing government transactions and minimizing human intervention, Conti believes corruption can be significantly reduced.
“Let’s go digital, kapag online na ang transaksyon walang human intervention, walang human discretion. Walang broker, walang nangumisyon, walang gumitna. Mababawasan ang katiwalian,” he stressed.
He cited systems from Singapore and Hong Kong where full digitalization has led to more efficient and transparent governance.
Empowering education systems through technology
In the field of education, the partylist proposes early and ethical integration of computer literacy in schools.
“Dapat bata pa lang naka-mainstream na ang kaalaman sa computer literacy at technology pero kinakailangan pa rin ang ethical use na tinatawag nating digital hygiene,” Conti stated.
In addition, while praising the government’s effort to provide gadgets to students and free Wi-Fi connection, Conti raised concern that low signals remains the key hurdle, especially in far-flung areas.
“How can you go digital if there is no internet connection?” he asked.
Atty. Conti suggested digital subsidies to bridge this gap and recommended using satellite internet to expand access beyond traditional telco infrastructure.
As the 2025 elections approach, Atty. Nick Conti together with Click Partylist are advocating for a digitally empowered, safer, and more equitable Philippines in this digital age.
