Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE KRISTINE SINGSON MEEHAN 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This measure supports the House leadership in its efforts at aligning with the 
administration’s objective of recognizing the vital role of communication and 
information in nation-building and harnessing the power of information and 
communications technology in pursuit of national development and progress. This can 
be achieved by adopting a policy to create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and 
integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered 
services for a globally competitive Filipino nation. 
This bill mandates the government to establish an integrated, interconnected, and 
interoperable information and resource sharing and communications network 
encompassing both the national and local government. It promotes paperless transactions 
by digitizing outdated, traditional methods to achieve a more efficient governmental 
service. For this measure to succeed, it is imperative for the government to effectively 
and efficiently tap the private sector for additional resources, assets, and services.  
While the digitalization of government transactions and processes was borne out 
of necessity and practicality amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue with this 
progress. We must not lose sight of our aspirations and goals of having a better 
government that is at par with, or even better than, our neighboring countries and that is 
able to compete with the demands of a fast-evolving, digital world. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
August 15, 2022
3:52 pm
3612


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE KRISTINE SINGSON MEEHAN 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “E-Governance Act of 2022”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of policy and purposes. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation- building and the 
necessity of harnessing the power of information and communications technology in pursuit of 
national development and progress. The State hereby adopts a policy to create, foster, and 
sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that provides responsive and 
transparent online citizen- centered services for a globally competitive Filipino nation. 
In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following purposes: 
(a) Provide effective leadership of government efforts to develop and promote
electronic government services and processes by providing guidance to the Department 
of Information and Communications Technology in accordance with its mandate; 
(b) Promote use of the internet, intranet, and other information and
communications technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen participation 
in government; 
(c) Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government
services, where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by integrating 
related functions, and in the use of internal electronic government processes, where this 
collaboration would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes; 
(d) Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and
program performance goals; 
(e) Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emerging technologies within
and across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information and 
3612


services; 
(f) Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
(g) Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers,
taking into consideration data analytics results; 
(h) Promote access to high quality government information and services across
multiple channels; 
(i) Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable;
(j) Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best practices
from public and private sector organizations, both local and international; and 
(k) Provide enhanced access to government information and services in a manner
consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy, national security, records 
retention, access for persons with disabilities, and other relevant laws. 
SEC. 3. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies including 
local government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations. 
SEC. 4. Definition of terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as 
follows: 
(a) “E-Governance” refers to use of information and communications technology
by the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of government 
services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable and transparent 
government service; 
(b) “Workflow” refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other
processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion; 
(c) “Intranet” refers to a secure and private enterprise network that shares data or
application resources via Internet Protocol; and 
(d) “Internet” refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data or
application resources via Internet Protocol. 
(e) “ICT assets” refers to any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in accordance with its 
mandate, utilized to ensure or support the proper and efficient operation and 
implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of ICT services. 
(f) “ICT plan” refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, and
programs for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use of information 
and communications technology, including digital platforms, to deliver public services or 
otherwise perform governmental functions. 
Chapter 1 


ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT 
 
SEC. 5. Responsibilities of the heads of government agencies. – The head of each 
agency, office, and instrumentality of the national and local government shall be 
responsible for: 
 
(a) Complying with the requirements of this Act, ncluding related standards for all 
ICT infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology, which shall be 
promulgated by the Department of Information and Communications Technology; 
 
(b) Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency, 
privacy, and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the Department of 
Information and Communications Technology; 
 
(c) Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology are communicated 
promptly and effectively to all relevant officials within their agency; and 
 
(d) Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop, 
maintain, and promote an integrated Internet-based system of delivering Federal 
Government information and services to the public. 
 
To these ends: 
 
(a) Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how 
electronic government enables progress toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and 
statutory mandates; 
 
(b) In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections to 
the extent practicable. Areas of performance measurement that agencies should include 
customer service; agency productivity; and adoption of Innovative information 
technology, including the appropriate use of commercial best practices; 
 
(c) Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups, 
including citizens, businesses, and other governments; 
 
(d) As appropriate, agencies shall work collectively in linking their performance 
goals to key groups and shall use information technology in delivering government 
information and services to those groups. 
 
SEC. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT). – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 
shall, in addition to its mandates and functions under Republic Act No. 10844: 
 
(a) Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and Initiatives to ensure 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and agency networking 
linkages among government agencies, consistent with E-Government objectives in 
particular, and national objectives in general; 
 
(b) Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT 


infrastructures and designs, taking into consideration the inventory of existing 
manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed systems; 
(c) Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws, standards, 
rules, and regulations governing ICT; 
(d) Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and development programs
of the government; and 
(e) Prescribe, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the
creation of ICT-related government positions and corresponding compensation rates 
aligned with the personnel needs of a digitized government, as well as the qualifications, 
standards, duties, and functions essential to the effective development and operation of 
government ICT infrastructures and systems. 
SEC. 7. DICT to act as the primary implementing body. – The DICT shall be the primary 
implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects in the 
Philippines shall be done in accordance with the National ICT Development Agenda. For 
this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies under this Act and 
ensure that all IT projects in the Philippines, whether national or local, are harmonized 
with the overall ICT plans and in compliance with applicable standards. Accordingly, the 
DICT shall be responsible for the following: 
(a) Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and
adoption of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act; 
(b) Ensuring the quality, security, reliability, and interoperability of all ICT
infrastructure and services in accordance with international or industrial standards, 
specifications, and best practices; 
(c) Tapping into the private sector and entering into partnerships and joint
ventures in accordance with the goals of this Act; 
(d) Mandate and supervise the adoption of policies and processes to ensure the
Implementation of this Act; 
(e) Mandate and supervise the interconnection or Interoperability of ICT
infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary to achieve the goals of this Act; and 
(f) Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and
facilities, and In the exercise of such functions, in accordance with applicable laws and 
rules, charge reasonable administrative and operational fees as may be necessary. 
SEC. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office. – Within one year from the effectivity 
of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide Project Management Office, 
which shall cater to and address to the portfolio, program, and project management needs 
of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring that ICT projects across the 
government are managed with efficiency and agility following international best practices 
and standards, to deliver successful projects, with the goal of delivering lasting benefits 


and value through new or enhanced ICT services. 
 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and as to the 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain 
Internationally- recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project 
Management, Program Management, IT Service Management ITIL, The Open Group 
Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, and other similar fields or specializations. 
For this purpose, the ICT Academy shall ensure that courses, multimodal training, and 
certifications to develop this human resource are regularly offered. 
 
SEC. 9. Inclusivity. – In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the Philippine 
CitizenConnect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing programs 
regarding the provision of government information and services over the internet and 
other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on persons without 
access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the 
availability of government information and services has not been or will not be 
diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the Internet; and pursue 
alternate modes of delivery that make government Information and services more 
accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access to the internet or other 
platforms and channels. 
 
Chapter 2 
THE INTEGRATED GOVERNMENT 
NETWORK 
 
Internal Government Network 
 
SEC. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. – The DICT shall 
establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government network, 
to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act as the 
primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information, and data 
through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of the government. The IGN 
shall also act as the government's primary and focal information management tool and 
communications network. 
 
SEC. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN. – The IGN shall cover all branches, agencies, 
instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, including 
government- owned and controlled corporations. 
 
SEC. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing government 
networks. – All internal networks already established and maintained by any government 
agency, office, or instrumentality, including local governments, shall upon the effectivity 
of this Act, enact measures to establish interconnection to and interoperability with the 
IGN. 
 
Internal Records Management Information System 
 
SEC. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. – The government shall 
establish, maintain, and support a records management system for the systematic, 
efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and public documents and 


records. All paper- based documents and records shall be digitized, migrated to, and 
managed through this system. The government shall establish a framework to allow 
efficient interoperability among agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national 
and local government when using electronic signatures, including processing of digital 
signatures. 
Internal Email and Communications Network 
SEC. 14. Internal Email Network. – The government shall establish and maintain an 
internal email and communications network, to be known as “GovMail,” for internal and 
intra- government communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, 
feedback, and other similar and related purposes. It shall be structured in a manner that 
ensures that the use and operation of such email networks shall be accessible, safe, 
interactive, interconnected, and interoperable. 
Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows 
SEC. 15. Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows. – All 
paper-based 
government 
and 
bureaucratic 
workflows 
involving 
internal 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and 
other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as practicable, 
automated. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and 
sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be allowed to 
be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be deemed appropriate 
for the purpose by the head of the agency. 
Chapter 3 
THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION DATABASE 
SEC. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil Registration 
System. – The government shall establish, maintain, and support an individual 
information database which shall act as a national repository and directory of information 
and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines or not, and 
foreign nationals who enters the Philippines through legal channels. 
Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names, addresses, 
whether permanent or temporary, national identification numbers, dates and places of 
birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and other associated 
information: provided, that the acquisition and storage of data and information on the 
database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and international laws and 
rules on privacy of data and information. 
SEC. 17. Access to and use of the database. – The database shall be accessible, through 
digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with legitimate and valid 
public purposes, subject to the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act 10173). 


All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the database 
shall maintain a record of all the Instances when, where, and how such agency, office, 
or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed any information 
or data stored on the database and the purposes of such access, including the identity of 
the actual person or persons gaining access to the said database. 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant domestic 
and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information. 
 
SEC. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. – The current Philippine 
Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for collecting, 
storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with the database, 
in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 19. Automatic and real time updating of information. – The government shall 
establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the database shall 
automatically and in real time be updated across the entire government network, 
regardless of when and where the change In such data or information was first made or 
submitted, with the end view that an update made at any access point in the government 
network shall automatically be reflected and accessible across all access points in real 
time. 
 
SEC. 20. Creation of data exchange protocols. – The DICT shall establish a data 
exchange protocol between and among agencies and the private sector which shall ensure 
legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with applicable 
domestic and international laws on data privacy. 
 
 
Chapter 4 
THE PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTORY 
 
SEC. 21. The Public Service Directory. – The government shall establish, maintain, and 
support a directory, to be known as the "Philippine Public Service Directory," of all civil 
and public officials and servants throughout the country, including names, titles, 
telephone and facsimile numbers, departmental names, office locations, and e-mail 
addresses. Any changes to the information stored on and accessed through the directory 
shall be reflected in real time. 
 
SEC. 22. Access to and use of the directory. – The directory shall be the Philippines and 
foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate channels for 
legitimate and valid purposes consistent with civil service rules and the right of the public 
to information. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the 
resources, information, and data on the directory shall be In accordance with all relevant 
laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on 
confidentiality of government information. 
Chapter 5 
THE GOVERNMENT E-PORTALS 
 


The Online Public Service Portals 
 
SEC. 23. Establishment of an online public service portal for individuals and 
businesses. – In accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote 
an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to government 
information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall establish, maintain, 
and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens can 
request for information and assistance on government frontline services, service 
procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints, and feedback. 
 
The online portal shall also serve as a centralized contact point where all 
communications from the public through such portal may be routed, logged, responded 
to, and ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for proper handling and 
resolution, and follow through if necessary. 
 
SEC. 24. Access to and use of the online public service portal. – The portal shall be 
accessible, through digital platforms such as the intranet and internet, to citizens of the 
Philippines, foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate 
channels, and businesses organized and existing or operating under the laws and rules of 
the Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient delivery of public services. 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all relevant laws, 
rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on 
confidentiality of government information. 
 
SEC. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. – All government agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined under Republic 
Act No. 9485, as amended, shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that such 
services are accessible and capable of delivery to the public 22 through the portal. 
 
All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated to 
regularly undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement of 
their transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed necessary to 
maximize the use of the portal for efficiency and transparency. 
 
SEC. 26. Access to frontline services. – The following shall be adopted by all 
government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph: 
 
(a) Acceptance of applications and request. – All officers or employees shall 
accept written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by clients of the 
office or agencies through the portal. 
 
The responsible officer or employee shall acknowledge receipt of such 
application and/or request by writing or printing clearly thereon, through the portal, 
his/her name, the unit where he/she is connected with, and the time and date of receipt. 
The receiving officer or employee shall perform a preliminary assessment of the 
request so as to promote a more expeditious action on requests. 
 
(b) Action of offices. – All applications and/or requests submitted through the 


portal shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or employee during the period stated in 
the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than five working days in the case of simple 
transactions and ten (10) working days in the case of complex transactions from the date 
the request or application was received. Depending on the nature of the frontline services 
requested or the mandate of the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the 
maximum time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due to the nature of 
frontline services or the mandate of the office or agency concerned the period for the 
delivery of frontline services shall be indicated in the Citizen's Charter. The office or 
agency concerned shall notify the requesting party In writing of the reason for the 
extension and the final date of release for the extension and the final date of release of 
the frontline service/s requested. 
 
No application or request shall be returned to the client without appropriate 
action. In case an application or request is disapproved, the officer or employee who 
rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to the client within five working days 
from the receipt of the request and/or application, stating therein the reason for the 
disapproval including a list of specific requirement/s which the client failed to submit. 
 
(c) Denial of request for access to government service. – Any denial of request 
for access to government service shall be fully explained in writing and through the portal, 
stating the name of the person making the denial and the grounds upon which such denial 
is based. Any denial of request is deemed to have been made with the permission or 
clearance from the highest authority having jurisdiction over the government office or 
agency concerned. 
 
(d) Access to progression of frontline service requests through the online portal. 
– All offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through the portal the 
progress of all frontline service requests in real time. 
 
(e) Adoption of working schedules to serve clients through the online portal. – 
Heads of offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt appropriate 
working schedules to ensure that all clients requested for public services through the portal 
are attended to and served even during lunch break and after regular working hours. In 
accordance with pertinent civil service rules. 
 
(f) Identification of public employees. – All employees transacting with the public 
shall be provided with an official identification card which should be publicly accessible 
through the online portal. 
 
Government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities mandated under this Act to 
provide and deliver public services through the portal shall not in any way require the 
person requesting for such public service to physically go and report to the physical office 
of such agency, office, or instrumentality where the purpose of such physical presence 
may be reasonably accomplished through the online portal. 
 
The Government Online Payment System 
 
SEC. 27. The Government Online Payment System. – In conjunction with the online 
portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an internet-
based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and businesses to remit 


payments through digital platforms to the government agencies to which such payments 
are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the services of and Interconnect 
with public and private payment systems and facilities, in accordance with applicable 
laws and rules. 
 
The Citizens' Concerns Portal 
 
SEC. 28. The Citizens' Concerns Center. – There is hereby established a Citizens' 
Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic Act 
No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or misconduct on the part of any 
government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation, government financial 
institution, and other instrumentalities of the government or any of its officers, officials, 
or employees. 
The Center shall be under the direction and supervision of the Office of the Cabinet 
Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local government 
units. 
 
SEC. 29. Integration with existing public feedback mechanisms. – All existing public 
feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully integrated with the 
Center. For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives of this Act, the Center may 
enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the interconnection, interoperability, 
and Integration of the public feedback mechanisms. 
 
SEC. 30. Integration with the internal government network and database. – The Center, 
including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully integrated with the 
internal government network and database for real time updating of data and information. 
 
SEC. 31. Minimum operating standards. – The Center, including its sub- operational 
units, shall have the following minimum operating standards: 
 
(a) Communications channels. – The Center shall provide communications 
channels which include but are not limited to the following: 
 
(1) Telephone; 
 
(2) Short Message Service (SMS)or text message service; 
 
(3) Electronic mail (email); 
 
(4) Social media; or 
 
(5) Other emerging communications media which can reasonably be used to 
fulfill the purposes of the Center. 
 
(b) Operating hours. – The Center shall operate, through any of its 
communications channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, 
including national holidays and 
days In which work is suspended for whatever reason, for which purpose the 


Center may establish effective measures and hire the necessary personnel. 
 
(c) Process flow. – A citizen's concern received through any of the 
communications channels shall immediately be encoded onto the Philippine Information 
Database and referred, directly or indirectly, in real time, to the concerned agency, office, 
or instrumentality for appropriate action through the Internal government network. The 
complainant shall be given advice or feedback on the status of the concern until its 
resolution. 
 
(d) Period to take action. – A citizen's concern lodged and received through any 
of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific action within seventy-
two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government agency or instrumentality. For 
purposes of this provision, the period provided shall exclude such time outside the normal 
office hours of the agency or office concerned. 
 
SEC. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and local government units. – To ensure 
that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the objectives 
of this Act, all national government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, government-
owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, as well as the local 
government units, are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the Office of the Cabinet 
Secretary and each other to ensure prompt action on the concerns received through the 
communications channels of the Center. 
 
 
Chapter 6 
THE PHILIPPINE CITIZENCONNECT PROGRAM 
 
SEC. 33. The Philippine CitizenConnect Program. – The government shall establish a 
program, to be known as the “Philippine CitizenConnect,” to assist and help the public to 
who does not have access to, or need help with using computers, the internet, and other 
analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of public services from the 
government in their localities. 
 
SEC. 34. Free access to the internet for the public. – Pursuant to Republic Act No. 
10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through the 
DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access to Internet service in public 
places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout the country, to 
enable access to the online portals, promote knowledge-building among citizens, and 
enable them to participate and compete in the evolving information and communication 
age. 
 
SEC. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all barangay 
centers. – All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain internet-capable 
devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the purpose of enabling 
efficient and timely access to government services. 
 
SEC. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. – All barangay centers shall ensure 
that there will be government staff present to help the public access the government portal 
and perform online transactions with government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities. 
 


Chapter 7 
THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARDS 
 
SEC. 37. The Government E-Bulletin Board. – The government and all its agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each establish and 
maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of information sharing and 
dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to ensure accessibility and 
security. 
 
SEC. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. – All government 
offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws or rules to 
publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information intended for 
public consumption and information shall, in addition to the traditional modes therefore, 
publish such notices, documents, or other information on the website and e-bulletin board. 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication of 
notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board shall be 
construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with laws and 
rules requiring publication: provided, that such website or e-bulletin board is accessible at 
such point in time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of this provision, the start 
of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document, or information was first 
uploaded and made accessible to the public. 
 
SEC. 39. Minimum standards for government websites and information portals. – The 
following shall be the minimum standards for government websites and information 
portals: 
 
(a) It shall include direct and easily Identifiable links to (i) description of the 
mission, statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency: and (ii) 
commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other common matters 
of public concern; and 
 
(b) It shall Include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and 
applicable portals for the delivery of public services. 
 
 
Chapter 8 
SECURITY AND 
PRIVACY 
 
SEC. 40. Data and information security. – All resources, information, or data stored on 
or transmitted through the IGN and all networks Interconnected to and Interoperable with 
it, the Philippine Information Database, the Public Service Directory, the portals, and 
websites shall be kept secure and free from Interference or unauthorized access that can 
hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of the information and communication 
technology assets. 
 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance with 
all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 


pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information. 
 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise 
of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected to and 
interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shall incur criminal 
liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or relevant penal laws. 
 
SEC. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government. – All agencies, by or on 
behalf of the agency: and information systems used or operated by Information and 
Communications Technology: and information security standards and guidelines for 
national security systems issued in accordance with law and as directed by the President; 
and Ensuring that information security management processes are Integrated with agency 
strategic and operational planning processes. 
 
(a) Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, 
modification, or destruction of Information collected or maintained an agency or by a 
contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of an agency; 
 
(b) Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such 
information and Information systems and implementing the same; 
 
(c) Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and 
techniques to ensure that they are effectively implemented; 
 
(d) Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security 
and privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. Including 
information security standards promulgated by the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology; and information security standards and guidelines for 
national security systems issued in accordance with law and as directed by the President; 
and 
 
(e) Ensuring that information security management processes are integrated with 
agency strategic and operational planning processes. 
 
 
Chapter 9 
PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE 
SECTOR 
 
SEC. 42. Government cooperation with the private sector. – Nothing in this Act shall 
prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts, 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources, assets, 
and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of this Act. 
 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of this 
Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and transparency and 
good governance. 
 
Chapter 10 


THE PHILIPPINE INFOSTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT 
CORPORATION 
 
SEC. 43. The Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation. – For the purpose of 
ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT assets of the DICT, 
and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related to connectivity, data center 
and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a body corporate to be known as Philippine 
Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC), which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. 
The legal existence of the Die shall be for a period of 50 years from the date of the approval of 
this Act. The PIMC shall be subject to the rules and regulations as the DICT may impose from 
time to time. 
 
SEC. 44. Powers and functions. – To carry out its main purpose and in accordance with 
applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall have, in addition to any and all powers granted 
to a corporation under the general corporation code, the following functions and powers: 
 
(a) Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but not limited to the 
National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, and expansion of the National Government 
Data Centers and Government Cloud; 
 
(b) Manage ICT assets of the DICT; 
 
(c) Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by-laws; 
 
(d) Determine its operating policies, and to issue such rules and regulations as 
may be necessary to achieve its main purpose; 
 
(e) Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal; 
 
(f) Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or 
otherwise dispose of the same; 
 
(g) Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local and 
foreign sources: provided, that such loans shall be incurred only upon favorable 
recommendation of the DICT and approval by the President of the Philippines; 
 
(h) Hold, own, purchase, acquire, sell or otherwise invest, or reinvest in stocks, 
bonds or other securities capable of giving the PIMC a reasonably assured income 
sufficient to support its activities; and 
 
(i) Provide ICT counseling and technical services to government and private 
entities; provided, that for this purpose, the PIMC may contract the services of private 
consultants. 
 
Sec. 45. Board of Trustees. – The corporate powers and functions of the PIMC shall be 
vested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees that shall be composed of the following: 
 
(a) The Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, as the ex officio Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; 
 


(b) The Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, as the ex officio Executive Vice Chairman; 
 
(c) The Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, or 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member; 
 
(d) The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member; 
 
(e) One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information 
Technology and Business Process Outsourcing Industry; 
 
(f) One (1) representative from the private sector from the 
Telecommunications Industry; and 
 
(g) One (1) representative from the local government units. 
 
The representatives from the private sector and the local government units shall 
be appointed by the President. The representatives from the private sector shall be 
appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the 
Government Commission on GOCCs. The representatives from the private sector shall 
be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and intellect, at least thirty-five years of age, 
possessed of demonstrated administrative skill and ability in the field of ICT, and with a 
minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of ICT. The 
representative from the local government units shall be appointed only upon a favorable 
recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior and Local 
Government. 
 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer the 
policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, and direct 
and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He shall have direct 
control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters which are not by this 
Act or by the by- laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be done by the Board of 
Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case of approval of 
appointments to managerial positions and above, and the confirmation of the Board in 
appointments below that of manager level, appoint the personnel of the Corporation, 
remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for cause, and prescribe their duties and 
qualifications. In accordance with existing civil service laws, rules and regulations, to the 
end that only competent and qualified personnel may be employed. 
 
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years. 
 
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have authority, 
exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the organizational divisions to 
be headed by each member serving full time and to make the corresponding shifts in 
designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the Chairman and the members of the 
Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with applicable laws and rules on compensation 
in the civil service. 
 


The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman and 
one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the Board of 
Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees with 
the approval of the President of the Philippines. 
 
SEC. 46. Authorized capital stock. – The PIMC shall have an authorized capital stock 
of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million (5,000,000) 
shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine Pesos (PHP 
1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government. 
Of the total capital subscribed by the government, One Billion Philippine Pesos 
(PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the 
effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every 
year thereafter for four 
(4) years for which purpose the amount of One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 
1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated upon the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion 
Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every year for the next four (4) years thereafter, 
out of the funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpose. 
 
SEC. 47. Personnel and cost of administration. – The Board of Trustees shall provide 
for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry out the 
functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such officers and 
employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject to the rules and 
regulations Issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall under the Salary 
Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to the Civil Service 
Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment, compensation, 
administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers and employees 
under a strict merit system and prepare and conduct examinations under the supervision 
of said Commission. 
 
The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall not 
in any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets. 
 
SEC. 48. Legal Counsel. – The Secretary of Justice shall be the ex-officio legal adviser 
of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC shall have 
its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be appointed by the 
Board of Trustees. The composition, budget and operating expenses of the Office of the 
Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses of its officers and employees shall 
be fixed by the Board of Trustees and paid by the PIMC. 
 
SEC. 49. Removal of members. – The President of the Philippines may, at any time, 
remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him for, in addition to any 
and all recognized causes for termination under applicable civil service laws and rules, 
any of the following causes: 
 
(a) Mismanagement, grave abuse of discretion, infidelity in the conduct of 
fiduciary relations, or gross neglect In the performance of duties; 
 
(b) Dishonesty, corruption, or any act Involving moral turpitude; 
 
(c) Any act or performance tending to prejudice or impair the substantial rights 


of the government and the corporation's stockholders. 
 
The Chairman or member may. In any of the above cases, be civilly liable for any 
damage that may have been suffered by the corporation. 
 
SEC. 50. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. – The PIMC shall be instituted and 
organized within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act. 
 
Chapter 11 
THE ICT ACADEMY 
 
SEC. 51. Establishment of the ICT Academy and its purposes. – The DICT shall 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy that shall 
have the following purposes: 
 
(a) To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development 
agenda through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development 
programs and for other purposes; 
 
(b) To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skills, for purposes 
of enhancing the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most relevant and updated data 
on local and international skills supply and demand; 
 
(c) To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive an 
inclusive economic growth; 
 
(d) To promote, foster, and nurture the right of all citizens to quality education in 
ICT; 
 
(e) To lead the country in setting standards in the development of ICT curriculum 
and training; 
 
(f) Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and institutions 
for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's resources, its ICT curriculum, 
modules, pedagogical approaches; and 
 
(g) To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT skills 
and performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns. 
 
SEC. 52. Satellite units. – The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in particular 
regions, provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon determination of the DICT, 
in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority, it is found to be necessary to ensure broader access to 
quality ICT trainings and skills development, and to further enhance the Academy's 
capability to attain its purposes. 
 
SEC. 53. Access and admission. – The Academy shall be accessible to all citizens 
regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical 
disability, political opinion or affiliation. 
 


The DICT shall Institute an admissions process to ensure that citizens shall have 
equal access to ICT education and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall have ICT 
education. 
 
SEC. 54. Finances. – The Academy's operations shall be financially supported by a 
budget from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through donations, 
in accordance with applicable laws and rules. 
 
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the for 
the benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers, to serve the acquisition, 
construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as the proper 
administration of its programs and, generally, the attainment of the purposes of the 
Academy; provided, that such retention and disbursement shall be subjected to applicable 
laws and rules on government audit and accountability. 
 
Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in trust 
by a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no case be 
impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which they were 
donated. 
 
SEC. 55. Partnerships. – The Academy may form partnerships with different educational 
institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of the Academy. 
Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and training development, 
faculty exchange, standards development, training collaboration, and other similar forms. 
All partnerships to be entered into by the Academy shall be in accordance with the law, 
approved by the DICT Secretary, and shall not require the disbursement of any funds by 
the Academy or the government. 
 
 
Chapter 12 
MISCELLANEOUS 
PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 56. Transitory provisions. – In accordance with the objectives of this Act, the 
DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and instrumentalities, as well 
as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and implement a 
master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of services in the digital 
age. 
 
For the purpose of this Act, until such time that the government shall have 
completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all government 
activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner provided for under 
existing laws and rules. 
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) 
years from effectivity of this Act. 
 
SEC. 57. Regular status reports. – All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the 
national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the Congress, the 
President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of implementation of this Act. 
These reports shall likewise be made publicly available on and through the e-portals. 


 
SEC. 58. Appropriations and funding. – The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act at the national government level shall be charged against the 
current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or instrumentality 
concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued implementation 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
The amount necessary to implement this Act in the local government level shall 
be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned. 
 
SEC. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. – The Department of Information and 
Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations to properly and efficiently implement this Act within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SEC. 60. Separability clause. – If any provision of this Act shall be declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions 
of this Act. 
 
SEC. 61. Repealing clause. – All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters of 
instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 62. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its publication in 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,