The bill also requires the Commission on ICT (CICT) to enforce the law and facilitate migration of agencies and institutions from proprietary software to FOSS.

Casi'o said the bill does not target to benefit SMEs alone, rather it is a broad policy framework for FOSS. The bill's first hearing in Congress is scheduled on Wednesday.

Potential benefits

Casi'o, along with other FOSS advocates in the forum, entitled '1st FOSS@Work International Conference-Workshop for SMEs in the IT industry', identified several benefits to be gained and the positive changes that could happen if FOSS usage is propagated.

Through FOSS, advocates believe this would lead to usage of legal and affordable software that are stable, user-friendly and low-cost. Benefits also include reduction in software piracy, and emergence of local software companies.