Senate bill sets two-hour limit to critical infra emergency response

A BILL mandating a response to critical infrastructure emergency requests within two hours has been filed at the Senate.����

Under Senate Bill 1882, any provider of critical infrastructure services that fail to comply within the required time period will be fined by at most P1 million per violation.��

“Critical infrastructure is vulnerable to various threats, including natural disasters, accidents, cyberattacks, and intentional acts of violence,” Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo said under the bill’s explanatory note.����

The measure defines critical infrastructure as “physical and cyber systems and assets that are essential to the functioning of a society and economy.”����

It includes facilities, networks, and systems that support key services such as power generation and distribution, water supply, transportation, communications, healthcare, and financial services.������

Emergency requests refer to those that pose a danger to life, limb, property or those that require immediate attention to prevent further damage.����

“Disruptions to critical infrastructure can have significant consequences which can negatively impact public safety, national security, and the overall well-being of the population,” Mr. Tulfo said.������

If passed, appropriate government agencies must issue rules and regulations for the implementation of the bill. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan