Thursday, February 21, 2008 ICT policy citizen lobbying
AFTER the passage of the Philippines E-Commerce Law (Republic Act 8792), there were many efforts by various interest groups, individuals, and even government agencies, pushing for the passage of information technology (IT)-oriented legislation. Some of them, in fact, are meant to update the E-Commerce Law.
However, a lot of them didn’t succeed due to many factors. Lobbying for a piece of legislation takes time, resources, and effort. It cannot be done by one person. Getting the support of as many stakeholders as possible while understanding the politics involved are important to succeed.
Lobbying for the Philippines E-Commerce Law started as early as 1992, which was referred to differently at that time. Momentum took place with the emergence of the Internet and when more stakeholders got to realize the benefits of doing business transactions online. The pursuit of common interest by the early movers in 1992 with those who came in at the time of the Internet in 1997 led to the expansion of the lobbying effort to a greater base.
With so many information and communications technology concerns coming out today, it is important for interested parties to come together, take leadership, and even make sacrifices, in order for things to move forward. When no one gives ways, everyone loses in the end and nothing is achieved.
When the private sector does not take leadership and accountability, and expects the government and legislation to just take care of everything, the movement will not prosper. To demonstrate the urgency of a propose legislation, private sector should give full commitment through action and presence.
It is important for everyone concerned to step up and put pride aside to move things forward. There are situations where stakeholders need to work with persons and groups from the opposing camp.
There will be situations where they would have to defend their stand on the legislation and answer questions like, “What is your agenda?” Why are you passionately pushing for this?” and “What will you get out of it?”
Getting a bill passed is only half of the equation. The other half is the law’s implementation. A lot of people, including myself, were disappointed when the E-Commerce Law was not implemented as planned.
There are matters that lobbyists must take responsibility for to ensure that their efforts will not go to waste.
If one is able to visualize the challenge ahead and still have the determination to do it, perhaps he or she is ready to lobby for new policies.
