Tech Innovator Verceles Unveils Ambitious ₱2.2 Trillion WiFi Plan in Senate Bid
Former Catanduanes Governor and Congressman Atty. Leandro “Lee” Verceles, Jr. has announced an ambitious legislative proposal to create a new government department dedicated to providing free WiFi connections to all 10,000 schools and 42,600 barangays nationwide, leveraging artificial intelligence technology at an estimated cost of ₱2.2 trillion.
Speaking at the Tinapayan Media Forum hosted by NPC Director Benedict Abaygar, Jr. on March 7, Verceles outlined his vision for transforming Philippine education and connectivity as part of his campaign platform for the May 12, 2025 senatorial elections.
“This nationwide initiative will revolutionize how Filipinos access education,” said Verceles, who is running under the banner of a faction of Partido Federal, the party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “We aim to move from the traditional classroom model of one teacher to 45 students to a personalized one-to-one teaching environment through digital connectivity.”
Educational Transformation Through Technology
The self-described “Techie in the Senate” candidate envisions providing one laptop per student, including out-of-school youth, with terminals established in each of the country’s 42,600 barangays. He cited similar technological implementations in the United States and Japan as successful models.
“Poverty is not an excuse,” Verceles emphasized. “With this system in place, we could become number one in education worldwide.”
Verceles acknowledged the substantial funding required, stating that a government corporation may subsidize the implementation, or financing could be sourced from China or the World Bank.
Technology and Public Service Background
The former lawmaker has significant experience in technology legislation. During his tenure in Congress from 1998 to 2001, Verceles was known as the resident “geek” and served as the principal author of the Philippine E-Commerce Act. He also authored a House Resolution connecting Philippine government offices, universities, and schools to the internet.
Verceles holds a Business Administration degree from the University of the Philippines (1980), a law degree from Ateneo de Manila University (1987), and a master’s degree in Public Administration. His professional experience includes working at the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices from 1987 to 1991, followed by his political career and subsequent return to legal practice at the Verceles Law Office.
Addressing Traffic Congestion
Beyond education, Verceles also outlined a technology-driven solution to the country’s persistent traffic problems. He proposes developing an application that would manage traffic flow during rush hours using a point-based system, with users receiving 100 points weekly.
“The app will be pro-poor, not pro-rich, similar to systems already employed in other countries,” Verceles explained. “With this technology, we can achieve 20 kilometers per hour movement on major thoroughfares without congestion.”
New Direction Movement
Verceles has branded his campaign platform as the “New Direction Movement,” calling for politicians across the spectrum to join his initiative to address the country’s challenges comprehensively.
“I could not make it by myself alone,” he admitted, urging collective participation in his movement. “If everything is done with the New Direction Movement, all the problems of the country will be addressed appropriately.”
The candidate expressed confidence that 85% of Filipino voters would support him if they understood his platform, announcing plans to distribute 50 million flyers nationwide. He added that artificial intelligence would feature prominently in the second phase of his campaign.
Verceles served as governor of Catanduanes for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2007 after his congressional tenure. He has since been involved in the business process outsourcing industry, focusing on virtual office administration and outbound telemarketing, while also developing geo-location mobile applications.
The senatorial elections are scheduled for May 12, 2025.
