Bataan 1^st District Representative Antonino “Tony” Roman III has raised alarm over the lack of funding for the implementation of the Innovative Startup Act, warning that the absence of resources could stifle opportunities for young innovators and entrepreneurs across the country.

Speaking during a congressional hearing with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Roman said it was “concerning” that an initiative meant to build innovation hubs and empower new businesses has “little to almost no budget.” He emphasized that without concrete financial support, the DICT may be unable to deliver on its mandate to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Signed into law in 2019, the Innovative Startup Act (Republic Act 11337) was envisioned to give Filipino startups a competitive edge through benefits such as grants, subsidies, and access to startup visas. It also sought to establish ecozones and hubs that would foster innovation. For many aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly young Filipinos eager to turn creative ideas into viable businesses—the law represented a promise of government backing in a competitive global digital economy. But five years later, questions remain about how much of that promise has been fulfilled.

Roman, who has been vocal about youth empowerment and technological advancement, also pressed the DICT on its strategy to curb disinformation. He expressed support for a stronger legislative framework that would compel social media platforms to take accountability, stressing that fighting fake news is as critical to innovation as funding, since trust and credibility are cornerstones of a thriving digital community.

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