r^c
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
Second Regular Session
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SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1788
Senate
of itii’ Su’nrliT'.;1
20 JUL 27 A9-41
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWR^E "BONG" TrGCT
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The transition of the government to the digital age has been a long time coming. 
In an age where almost everything can be done online and through other digital 
platforms, the government must harness the power of information and communications 
technology to better serve its purpose and bring the government closer to the people.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps, both foreseen and unforeseen, in the 
delivery of government services in the country. As number of infected cases continues 
to increase, long queues and appointments with government agencies, financial 
institutions and other public offices has worsened. Moreover, major government social 
services and programs are being forced to shut down, limiting the public's accessibility 
to public services at a time when the same are needed the most. Limited workforce in 
different government offices and forced self-isolation of thousands of Filipinos has 
emphasized the inefficiency of public services - people cannot go to government offices 
to get services and government personnel cannot report to work to render public 
service.


The new normal warrants the government to consider and adopt, in a very 
radical but pragmatic way, the importance of digital transformation and use of 
electronic services and platforms to enable the government to do better.
This is not something new. A number of government agencies and local 
government units have begun their own transitions to the digital age, offering online 
services to the public. This bill takes into consideration what we have learned from what 
has been and Is being done, drawing from the experiences of technologically-advanced 
countries and the best practices of those who have started the push for e-governance, 
to initiate the country's first big step to an institutional and whole-of-government 
approach to digitizing governance for a better government and a safer future.
The State is mandated 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. This 
bill shall materialize the said policy through: (a) providing effective leadership of 
government efforts to develop and promote electronic government services and 
processes; (b) promoting use of the internet, intranet, and other Information and 
communications technologies; (c) improving the ability of the government to achieve 
agency missions and program performance goals; (d) reducing costs and burdens for 
businesses and other government entities; (e) promoting better informed and data- 
driven decision making by policy makers, taking Into consideration data analytics 
results; and (f) making the national and local governments more transparent and 
accountable.
Anchored in President Rodrigo Duterte's push for a fast, systematic, reliable and 
compassionate provision of government services for all, this proposed bill envisions a 
more cohesive, whole-of-government approach in ushering policies that will be 
responsive to the "better normal".


This bill mandates the government to establish an integrated, interconnected, 
and interoperable Information and resource sharing and communications network 
spanning the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records 
management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the 
delivery of public services. It likewise pushes for the digitization of paper-based and 
other traditional modes of workflows for a more efficient and transparent public service.
Moreover, this bill encourages government cooperation with the private sector in 
providing resources, assets, and services. This measure creates a body corporate to be 
known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation for the purpose of ensuring 
the proper and efficient operations and management of the country's ICT assets, as 
well as a training institution in recognition of the critical role of educating both the 
public and the government in ICT.
Through this measure, the government will eliminate delays and other problems 
associated with the traditional way of governance in communications and resource and 
information sharing. More importantly, through this measure, the public - the pillars of 
the country's life and economy - will feel that the government is actually and truly at 
their fingertips.
This should have been done a long time ago. Now, more than ever, Is the time 
to do this.
Nisihodie, quandoerit?
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill Is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISBTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG"T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No.1 738
(Srtitc r? tin 
i
20 JUL 27 A9 .'41
RcCr
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
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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
2020."
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
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State hereby adopts a policy to create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and
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integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-
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centered services for a globally competitive Filipino nation.
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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:


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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 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;
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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


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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 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


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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, Including 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:


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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;


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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. Prescribee, 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 digitalized 
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
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projects in the Philippines shall be done In accordance with the National ICT
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Development Agenda. For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to
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Implement policies under this Act and ensure that all ICT projects In the Philippines,
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compliance with applicable standards. Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for
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a. Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and 
adoption of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act;
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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;


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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.


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Sec. 9. Inclusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the
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Philippine CitizenConnect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing
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programs regarding the provision of government information and services over the
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internet and other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on
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persons without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent
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practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services has
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Internet; and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government Information
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access to the internet or other platforms and channels.
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Chapter 2
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The Integrated Government Network
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15 Internal Government Network
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Sec. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT
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shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government
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network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall
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act as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources,
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information, and data through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of
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information management tool and communications network.
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Sec. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN. - The IGN shall cover all branches,
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agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government,
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including government-owned and controlled corporations.
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Sec. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing
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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.
Internai Emaii and Communications Network
Sec. 14. Internai Emaii 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 
network 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.


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Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information
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dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and
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sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be
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allowed to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be
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deemed appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency.
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Chapter 3
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The Philippine Information Database
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Sec. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil Registration
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System. - The government shall establish, maintain, and support an individual
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information database which shall act as a national repository and directory of
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information and data on citizens of 
the Philippines, whether residing in the
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Philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enters the Philippines through legal
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channels.
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Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names,
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addresses, whether permanent or temporary, national identification numbers, dates
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and places of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and
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other associated information: provided, that the acquisition and storage of data and
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information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic
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and international laws and rules on privacy of data and information.
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Sec. 17. Access to and use of the database. - The database shall be
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accessible, through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies,
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offices, and instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with
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legitimate and valid public purposes, subject to the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act
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10173).
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All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the
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database shall maintain a record of all the Instances when, where, and how such
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agency, office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had
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accessed any information or data stored on the database and the purposes of such
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access, inciuding 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
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information privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government
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information.
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Sec. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current
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Philippine Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for
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collecting, storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with
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the database, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
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Sec. 19. Automatic and real time updating of information. - The government
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shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the
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database shall automatically and in real time be updated across the entire
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government network, regardless of when and where the change In such data or
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information was first made or submitted, with the end view that an update made at
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any access point in the government network shall automatically be reflected and
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accessible across all access points in real time.
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Sec. 20. Creation of data exchange protocols. — The DICT shall establish a
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data exchange protocol between and among agencies and private sector which shall
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ensure legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with
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applicable domestic and international laws on data privacy.
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Chapter 4
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The Public Service Directory
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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
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accessible, through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of
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legitimate channels for legitimate and valid purposes consistent with civil service
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rules and the right of the public to information.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the
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resources, information, and data on the directory shall be In accordance with all
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relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the
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pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
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Chapter 5
The Government E-Portals
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The Online Public Service Portals
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Sec. 23. Establishment of online public service portal for individuals and
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promote an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to
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government information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall
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establish, maintain, and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk
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where citizens can request for information and assistance on government frontline
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services, service procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints,
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and feedback.
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The online portal shall also serve as 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
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citizens of the Philippines, foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines
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under the laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient
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delivery of public services.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the
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resources, information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all
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relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the
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pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
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Sec. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. - All government
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agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined
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under Republic Act No. 9485, as amended, shall establish and maintain measures to
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ensure that such services are accessible and capable of delivery to the public
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All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated
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to regularly undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and
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improvement of their transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same
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transparency.
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Sec. 26. Access to frontline services. - The following shall be adopted by all
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government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:
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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 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.
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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 have 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
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Sec. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the
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internet-based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and
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businesses to remit payments through digital platforms to the government agencies
5 to which such payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the
6 services of and Interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities,
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in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
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9 The Citizens' Concerns Portal 
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Sec. 28. The Citizens' Concerns Center. There is hereby established a Citizens'
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Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their
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complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic
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Act No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or misconduct on the part
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of any government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation,
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government financial institution, and other instrumentalities of the government or
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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
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public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by
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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 interna! government network and database. - 
The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully
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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 channeis. - 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 fiow. - 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:
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d. Period to take action. - A citizen's concern iodged and received through any 
of the communication channeis shali have a concrete and specific action 
within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government agency 
or instrumentaiity. 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 iocai government units. -
10 To ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with
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the objectives of this Act, all national government agencies, offices, and
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instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations, government
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financial institutions, as well as the local government units, are enjoined to
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cooperate and coordinate with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and each other to
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ensure prompt action on the concerns received through the communications
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channels of the Center.
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Chapter 6
The Philippine CitizenConnect Program
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Sec. 33. The Phiiippine CitizenConnect Program. - The government shall
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establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine CitizenConnect," to assist and
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help the public to who does not have access to, or need help with using computers,
24 the internet, and other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of
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public services from the government in their localities.
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Sec. 34. Free access to the internet for the pubiic. - Pursuant to Republic Act
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No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through
29 the DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access to Internet service
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in public places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout
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the country, to enable access to the online portals, promote knowledge-building
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among citizens, and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving
2 information and communication age.
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Sec. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all 
s barangay centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain
6 internet-capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the
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purpose of enabling efficient and timely access to government services.
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Sec. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. - All barangay centers shall
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ensure that there will be government staff present to help the public access the
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government portal and perform online transactions with government agencies,
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offices, and instrumentalities.
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Chapter 7
The Government Websites and E-Bulletin Boards
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Sec. 37. The Government E-Bulletin Board. - The government and all its
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agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each
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establish and maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of
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information sharing and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to
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ensure accessibility and security.
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Sec. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. - All
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government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws
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or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other
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information intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the
27 traditional modes therefor, publish such notices, documents, or other information on
28 the website and e-bulletin board.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication
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of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board
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shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with
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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 
portais. - 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.
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Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which resuits to the 
compromise of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected 
to and interoperabie with it to the detriment of the government and the public shail 
incur criminai iiability in accordance with the provisions of appiicabie and/or relevant 
penal laws.
Sec. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government - All agencies,
8 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act
9 shall be responsible for:
10
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 
by or on behalf of the agency: and information systems used or operated by 
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.
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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 Phiiippine Infostructure Management Corporation
Sec. 43. The Phiiippine 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:
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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:
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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.
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The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer
2 the policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda,
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and direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He
4 shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters
5 which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be
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done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case
7 of approval of appointments to managerial positions and above, and the
8 confirmation of the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint
9 the personnel of the Corporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for
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cause, and prescribe their duties and qualifications. In accordance with existing civil
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service laws, rules and regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified
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personnel may be employed.
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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
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operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have
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authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the
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organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to make
20 the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the
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Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with
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applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service.
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The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman
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and one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the
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Board of Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of
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Trustees with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
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Sec. 46. Authorized capita! stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital
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stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million
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(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine
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Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
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Of the total capital subscribed by the government, One Billion Philippine
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Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year
4 from the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP
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1,000,000,000.00) every year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose the
6 amount of One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby
7 appropriated upon the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP
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1,000,000,000.00) every year for the next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds
9 in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpose.
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Sec. 47. Personnel: cost of administration. — The Board of Trustees shall
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provide for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry
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out the functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such
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officers and employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject
15 to the rules and regulations Issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall
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under the Salary Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to
17 the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment,
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compensation, administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers
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and employees under a strict merit system and prepare and conduct examinations
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under the supervision of said Commission.
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The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall
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not in any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.
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Sec. 48. Legal Counsel. — The Secretary of Justice shall be ex-officio legal
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adviser of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC
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shall have its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be
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appointed by the Board of Trustees. The composition, budget and operating
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expenses of the Office of the Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses
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PIMC.
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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:
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b. To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skiiis, 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.
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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
11 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as the
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proper administration of its programs and, generally, the attainment of the purposes
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of the Academy; provided, that such retention and disbursement shall be subjected
14 to applicable laws and rules on government audit and accountability.
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Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in
17 trust by a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no
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case be impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which
19 they were donated.
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Sec. 55. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different
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educational institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of
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the Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and
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training development, faculty exchange, standards development, trainings
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collaboration, and other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the
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Academy shall be In accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and
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shall not require the disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.
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Chapter 12
30 
Miscellaneous Provisions
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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 purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have
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completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all
9 government activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner
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provided for under existing laws and rules.
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The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years
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from effect!vity of this Act.
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Sec. 57. Reguiar status reports. - All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities
16 of the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the
17 
Congress, the President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of
18 
implementation of this Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available
19 
on and through the e-portals.
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Sec. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the
22 
initial implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged
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against the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office,
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or instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its
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continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
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Act.
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shall be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
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Sec. 59. Impiementing ruies and regulations. - The Department of
32 
Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices.
30


1 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.
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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,
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letters of instruction and other presidential Issuances which are incompatible or
11 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.
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Sec. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days
14 following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
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newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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