Marcos backs PSAC's reco to prioritize bills in line with cybersecurity

President Ferdinand "Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed support to the recommendation of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure Group to certify as priority legislation the three bills that are in line with the government's cybersecurity efforts.

The President informed PSAC officials that he would look into those bills and see how and what can be done for their eventual passage.

“It looks like there is a great need for structural requirements in legislation. Let me work on the Cybersecurity Act, Anti-Mule and the Online Site Blocking Act. We will talk with the leadership of the Legislature and see how we can move along quickly,” the President said.

The three bills being pushed by PSAC that are pending at the Senate include the Cybersecurity Act (Senate Bill No. 1365),  Anti-Mule Act  (Senate Bill No. 2039) and the Online Site Blocking Act (Senate Bill Nos. 2150 and No. 2385).

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the passage of SB No. 1365, or the Cybersecurity Act, will promote and increase the country’s cybersecurity resilience and improve its posture.

It also includes provisions for identifying and safeguarding critical information infrastructures (CIIs) as well as potential penalties for underperforming entities in observing the standards and practices to protect digital assets.

Meanwhile, the proposed passage of the Anti-Mule Act will prohibit money mules and other fraudulent acts involving bank accounts, e-wallets, and other financial accounts. This is in line with government’s efforts to ensure responsive and safe online services for the public as it will strengthen the drive against other forms of cybercrime.

On the other hand, the passage of the Online Site Blocking Bill will protect the creative industry and consumers from the inherent dangers of online content piracy. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News