i
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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23 mar ”7 P5:40
SENATE
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the 2022 United Nations E-government Survey, the Philippines ranked 89th 
out of 193 countries in terms of e-government development. Among the ASEAN 
States, Philippines placed behind six of its neighbor countries which are Singapore 
(ranked 12th), Malaysia (ranked 53rd), Thailand (ranked 55th), Brunei (ranked 68th), 
Indonesia (ranked 77th), and Vietnam (ranked 86th). The country's latest ranking 
slipped by twelve spots compared to the previous survey conducted in 2020. According 
to the survey, in the e-government development index' sub-components, the 
Philippines garnered an above-average score of 0.6303 and 0.7629 on the Online 
Service Index and Human Capital Index, respectively. However, the country's score 
on the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index was only 0.5638, which falls below 
the global average.
In this age of rapid adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is only 
necessary to harness the full potential of ICT, not just to keep up with the changing 
times but also to ensure that the government is able to meet the evolving needs of 
Filipinos especially in the digital space.
Envisioning to improve the performance of the country in the realm of digital 
government and governance, this measure seeks to provide effective leadership for


the development and promotion of electronic government services by embracing ICT. 
This bill also espouses the establishment of digital infrastructure development and 
interoperability of inter-agency systems and processes to bolster government's 
efficiency and productivity. Ultimately, this aims to enhance public trust and citizen 
participation in government by promoting the use of the internet and emerging ICT 
applications to provide citizen-centric government information and services.
This measure is among the several the Legislative Executive Development 
Advisory Council (LEDAC) identified as a priority under the administration of President 
Bongbong Marcos Jr., who has underscored several times the importance of 
jumpstarting the country's transition and evolution into the digital world. It should also 
be viewed as part of a series of ICT-focused measures that we've filed in the 19th 
Congress, which includes the e-Health System Services Act (SBN 91), the National 
Digital Transformation Act (SBN 625), the Local Information and Communications 
Technology Officer Act (SBN 627), and the Digital Payments Act (SBN 762).
Recognizing the need to advance a digitally-enabled government, the passage 
of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
tel ^ninrr
of tli"
23 mar-7 P5 :40
SENATE
S. B. No
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy and Purposes. - It is hereby declared the 
policy of the State to recognize the vital role of information and communication in 
nation-building and the necessity of harnessing the power of information and 
communications technology (ICT) 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 secure, responsive, and transparent online 
citizen-centered services and harnesses the potential of open data for promoting 
economic growth and growing 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 defining and identifying 
the roles of various government agencies in the entire digital 
transformation process;
b) Promote the use of the internet, ICT and other digitally-enabled emerging 
technologies within and across government agencies to provide efficient, 
effective, transparent and citizen-centric government information and
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services, and improve public trust and citizen participation in the 
government;
c) Promote ICT infrastructure development interoperability of inter-agency 
systems and processes through a consolidated process architecture;
d) Promote inter-agency collaboration and integration of related functions 
across government instrumentalities towards improving government 
services to citizens, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the 
processes including but not limited to secure data and information sharing;
e) Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and 
program performance goals;
f) Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
g) Promote the use of ICT to enable an informed and data-driven decision 
making by policy makers, taking into consideration data analytics results;
h) Promote the use of ICT in improving access to high quality government 
information and services across multiple channels;
i) Strengthen transparency and accountability efforts of the national and local 
governments;
j) Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best practices 
from public and private sector organizations, both local and international;
k) Provide enhanced and secured access to government information and 
services in a manner consistent with laws regarding protection of data 
privacy, cybersecurity, national security, records retention, freedom of 
information, open data, access for persons with disabilities, and other 
relevant laws;
l) Promote ICT capacity development to create quality jobs and increase the 
employability of the Philippine workforce;
m) Ensure and take measures to update the qualification and competency 
standards of ICT positions in the government;
n) Promote digital literacy to enable Filipinos to participate in an evolving ICT 
age;


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o) Promote and support innovation, including the creation of a conducive
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environment for start-ups in providing better service to citizens, 
raise
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efficiencies and productivity in the public sector;
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p) Promote best practices where processes are documented, analyzed, or
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streamlined before digitalization happens;
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q) Build resilience to withstand the effects of disasters, pandemics, or
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widespread information technology disruptions, including cybersecurity
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attacks, that will limit its citizens' ability to transact;
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r) Encourage the use of electronic devices where the mobility of citizens is
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restricted; and
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s) Grow and unlock the value of an open data economy.
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SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all executive, legislative, judicial
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offices, and constitutional offices, including local government units (LGUs), state
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universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, government-owned or
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controlled corporations (GOCCs) and other instrumentalities, whether located in the
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Philippines or abroad, that provide services covering business and nonbusiness related
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transactions as defined in this Act, subject to limitations under existing laws. Further,
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this Act shall also cover back-end government operations, within, between and across
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agencies, government-to-government transactions, particularly those involving
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sharing and processing of data and information between and among government
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agencies for policy, planning and decision-making purposes, and other government
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operations.
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SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As use in this Act:
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a) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) refers to an intermediary that allows
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interaction between applications, programs, software components, systems,
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hardware, and micro-services of different individuals or organizations;
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b) Chief Information Officer or CIO refers to a senior officer in all national
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government agencies, including constitutional offices, state universities and
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colleges, local universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled
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corporations, and government financial institutions responsible for the
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development, planning and implementation of the agency's information


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systems strategic plan or ICT plan, and management of the agency's ICT
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systems, platforms, and applications;
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c) Critical Information Infrastructure or Critical Infostructure (CII) refers to
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computer systems, and/or networks whether physical or virtual, and/or the
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computer programs, computer data and/or traffic data that are so vital to this
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country, the incapacity or destruction or interference of which would have a
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debilitating impact on national security, economic development, national health
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and safety or any combination of those matters. Sectors initially classified as
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CIIs are the following: government transportation (land, sea, air), energy,
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water, health, emergency services, banking and finance, business process
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outsourcing, telecommunications, and media;
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d) Digitization refers to the process of encoding information or procedure into
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digital form that can be read, manipulated, and utilized by digital technologies
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and platforms ;
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e) Digitalization refers to the process of using digital technologies to enhance the
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operations of the government, and provide new revenue and value-producing
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opportunities;
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f) Digital Transformation refers to the process of optimizing, reconstructing, and
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integrating digital technology into all areas of the government, to maximize
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resource configuration, improve operational efficiency and innovation
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capability, and enhance value delivery to stakeholders;
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g) E-Governance refers to the application of ICT in the interactions between the
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different levels of government, business, and the citizenry. It also involves the
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implementation of internal government operations meant to simplify and
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improve both the democratic and economic aspects of governance;
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h) E-Government refers to the use of information and communications technology
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to enhance the access to and delivery of public services, and to improve
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government efficiency, responsiveness, accountability, transparency, and
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integrity;
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i) ICT Assets refer to any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or
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component thereof, utilized to ensure or support the proper and efficient


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operation and implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of ICT
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services;
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j) ICT plan refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, budget
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and timeline for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use
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of information and communications technology, including digital platforms, to
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deliver public services or otherwise perform governmental functions;
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k) Information and Communications Technology or ICT refers to the totality of
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electronic means to access, create, collect, store, process, receive, transmit,
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present, regulate and disseminate information;
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I) Information Security Standards (ISS) refers to generally acceptable security
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standards which aim to protect, and secure 
the confidentiality, integrity,
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avaiiability, authenticity, and non-repudiation of information;
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m) Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) refers to the 3-year plan that serves
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as a government agency's roadmap for using ICT as a strategic resource to
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support the attainment of its goals, mission, and vision. It is also a written
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expression of how an agency intends to use ICT to support its data processing
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and decision-making processes;
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n) Internet vefevs to a public enterprise network that shares data or application
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resources via Internet Protocol;
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o) Interoperability to the ability of different operating and software systems,
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applications, and services to communicate, share functions, and exchange data,
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in an accurate, effective, and consistent manner to different platforms and
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agencies;
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p) Payment Service Provider (PSP) refers to an entity, such as bank or non-bank
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electronic money issuer, that provides payment services to end-users, such as
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consumers, 
merchants, and billers, including government institutions;
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q) Privacy Engineering refers to the integration of privacy concerns into
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engineering practices for systems and software engineering life cycle
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processes;
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r) Privacy-by-Design refers to an approach in the development and
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implementation of projects, programs, and processes that integrates


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safeguards that are necessary to protect and promote privacy into the design
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or structure;
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s) Privacy-by-Defautt refers to a practice of applying the strictest privacy settings
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by default, without any manual input from the user, when a product or service
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has been deployed for public use; and
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t) Workflow refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other
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processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.
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CHAPTER II
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ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT
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SEC. 5. Responsibilities of the Heads of Government Agencies,
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Offices, and Instrumentalities. - The head of each agency, office, and
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instrumentality of the national and local government, in consultation with the DICT,
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shall be responsible for:
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a) Spearheading the development and implementation of a multi-year digital
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transformation plan specific to the agency or government instrumentality
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under their portfolio, based on a proper assessment of the readiness,
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capability, and necessity of the agency or government instrumentality to
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undertake such digital transformation;
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b) Adhering to the requirements of this Act, including related standards for all
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ICT infrastructures, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology,
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which shall be promulgated by the DICT;
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c) Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency,
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and data privacy and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by
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the DICT in consultation with the National Privacy Commission (NPC);
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d) Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the
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DICT are communicated promptly and effectively to all relevant officials
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within their agency;
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e) Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop,
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maintain, and promote an integrated system of delivering government
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information and services to the public;


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f) In consultation with the DICT, establishing and implementing information
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security policy, freedom of information, open data policy, and standards
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within their organization, in consideration of their respective mandate or
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technology needs or risks; and
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g) Conforming to the reengineering and streamlining requirements of Anti-
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Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as provided under Republic Act 11032 or the
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Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Services Act of 2018.
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To these ends, agencies shall:
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a) Formulate long-term digital transformation plans with clear objectives and
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measurable milestones, based upon a clear assessment of the readiness,
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capabilities, and relevance and necessity of undertaking such digital
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transformation;
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b) Develop performance measures that demonstrate how ICT enables
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progress toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and statutory
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mandates;
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c) In measuring performance, rely on existing data collections to the extent
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practicable and introduce new data collection schemes necessary for
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monitoring 
performance and deriving valuable insights. 
Areas 
of
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performance measurement that agencies should include customer service,
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agency productivity, and meaningful adoption of innovative information
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technology, including the appropriate use of industry best practices;
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d) Link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups, including
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citizens, businesses, and other governments;
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e) As appropriate, work collectively in linking their performance goals to key
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groups and shall use information technology in delivering government
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information and services to those groups;
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f) Ensure that all information systems strategic plans (ISSPs) and ICT plans
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are updated annually and considered in their budget preparation activities;
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g) Agencies shall regularly undertake cost compliance analysis, time and
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motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement of their transaction
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systems and procedures and reengineer the same if deemed necessary to
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reduce bureaucratic red tape and process time;


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h) Support the development of a digital competency framework in order to
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undertake a competency assessment of personnel and provide them with
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appropriate learning and development programs to strengthen their digital
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competency; and,
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i) Be accountable for the implementation of the ISSP or ICT Plan.
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Provided, however, That for purposes of efficiency and avoidance of redundancy,
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government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, with existing: (a) standards for
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all ICT infrastructures, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology; (b)
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protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency and data privacy and confidentiality; (c) effective
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mechanism for communicating promptly and effectively all information technology
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standards within their agency; and (d) equipment, systems, programs and
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infrastructures, that substantially comply with the minimum requirements indicated in
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the relevant provisions of this Act, as well as those that already have existing
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government positions, such as Chief Information Officer or CIO, within their respective
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offices whose qualifications are aligned with the requirements under this Act, shall be
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allowed to maintain those existing standards, protocols, mechanisms, equipment,
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systems, programs, infrastructures and positions, and shall already be deemed
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compliant with the provisions hereof.
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SEC. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications
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Technology. - The DICT shall be the primary implementing body and principal
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administrator of this Act. In accordance with applicable laws and rules, and subject to
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limitations provided by the Constitution, the DICT shall ensure that all ICT projects in
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the Philippines shall be done in accordance with the National ICT Development Agenda
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and e-Government Masterplan, as provided under Republic Act No. 10844. For this
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purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies under this Act and
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ensure that all ICT projects in the Philippines, whether national or local are harmonized
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with the overall ICT plans and in compliance with applicable standards. Accordingly,
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the DICT shall:
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a) Adopt a national policy and process that promotes innovation, supports
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start-ups, and facilitates the entry and adoption of technologies consistent
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with the goals of this Act;
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b) Mandate support and supervise the government agencies in ensuring the 
quality, security, and reliability of their respective ICT infrastructure and 
services in accordance with international or industrial standards, 
specifications, and best practices, and direct the interconnection or 
interoperability of ICT infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary 
to achieve the goals of this Act;
c) Coordinate and/or collaborate with the private sector and enter 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, including the adoption of a Roadmap to 
provide a strategic and phased whole- of-government transformation to e- 
Governance, with clear and identified milestones, and which explicitly 
defines the roles and responsibilities of covered government agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities;
e) 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;
f) Mandate government agencies, offices and instrumentalities to comply with 
the minimum qualification and competency standards of ICT positions in 
the government and require government agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities, to regularly report the status of compliance thereto;
g) Engage technical and standards organizations and consult industry experts 
on matters requiring engineering inputs, enterprise architecture and other 
highly specialize concerns;
h) Where applicable, recognize the administrative autonomy provided by the 
Constitution for independent government agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities in the implementation and enforcement of the foregoing; 
and
i) Develop in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, 
consistent with the compensation and position classification system of the 
government, the competency and qualification standards of all ICT 
positions in the government, and submit to the Department of Budget and


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Management (DBM) the proposal for the creation and updating of current
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civil service positions for ICT workers, which include cybersecurity, data
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governance, data privacy, data analysis and insight, and other ICT-related
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government positions and the appropriate job levels and corresponding
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compensation rates aligned with the personnel needs of a digitized
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government and comparable with the prevailing industry rates, as well as
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the qualifications standards, duties and functions essential to the effective
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operation of government ICT infrastructure and systems: Provided, That
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government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, that have been
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exempted from the Salary Standardization Law and have been granted
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authority to formulate their own compensation and position classification
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systems, whose compensation, competency, and qualification standards
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are aligned with the minimum requirements under this Act, shall be allowed
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to maintain those existing compensation, competency, and qualification
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standards in the operation of government ICT infrastructure and systems.
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SEC. 7. The E-Governance Unified Project Management Office. - Within
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one year from the effectivity of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide
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E-Governance Unified Project Management Office (E-Gov-UPMO), which shall cater to
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and address the portfolio, program, and project management needs of government
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agencies, such as but not limited to the formulation of their respective digital
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transformation plans, with the end goal of ensuring that ICT projects across the
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government are managed with efficiency and agility, following international best
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practices and standards.
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The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the E-Gov-UPMO and the
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qualifications of personnel under the E-Gov-UPMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain
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internationally-recognized certifications and a required number of units on relevant
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courses such as but not limited to Project Management, Program Management, IT
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Service Management, the Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, Data Privacy,
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Risk Management, and other similar fields or specializations. For this purpose, the ICT
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Academy created under this Act, shall ensure that courses, multimodal training, and
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certifications to develop this human resource are regularly offered.
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SEC. 8. Chief Information Officer. - Every government agency is authorized
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to create a plantilla position for Chief Information Officer (CIO) who shall ensure that
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ICT systems are developed and implemented which are properly secured and
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compliant with standards as determined and prescribed by the DICT and in accordance
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with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, including Republic Act No. 10173, or the
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"Data Privacy Act of 2012".
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The CIO shall perform the following functions:
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a) Advise their respective mother agencies on how best to leverage ICTs
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to optimize the delivery of secured public services, and achieve efficient,
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and cost-effective operations;
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b) Securely develop, maintain, and manage the agency's information
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systems;
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c) Manage and supervise the implementation of ICT related projects,
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systems, and processes;
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d) Formulate and implement processes in relation to the adoption of ICT-
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based solutions, including emerging technologies as provided in the E-
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Government Plan;
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e) Manage operational risks related to ICT in coordination with the
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agency's management and stakeholders;
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f) Ensure that the ICT programs and operations are consistent with
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national policies and standards;
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g) Accelerate the use of open data, blockchain, and other emerging
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technologies; and,
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h) Benchmark ICT programs and operations against ICT industry best
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practices.
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Recruitment, selection, and appointment to the CIO position shall be in
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accordance with the relevant laws on civil service, its rules and regulations, and the
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competency standards prescribed by the DICT.
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SEC. 9. Inciusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act, when
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promulgating policies and implementing programs regarding the provision of
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government information and services over the internet and other platforms or
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channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on persons without access to such
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platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the availability
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of government information and services has not been or shall not be diminished for
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individuals and entities who lack access to the internet; and pursue alternate modes
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of delivery that make government information and services more accessible to
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individuals, either electronically or manually.
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CHAPTER III
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THE E-GOVERNMENT MASTER PLAN
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SEC. 10. E-Government Master Plan. - The DICT shall formulate and
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promote an E-Government Master Plan (EGMP) or its equivalent that will serve as a
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blueprint for the development and enhancement of all electronic Government service
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processes, and workforce to achieve digital transformation in the bureaucracy.
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Supplemental to this, an integrated framework shall be developed to provide the
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government enterprise architecture and operationalize the blueprint through programs
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and projects relating to e-government, in order to fully realize the vision, goals and
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objectives of the Master Plan. The EGMP and the accompanying integrated framework
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shall be reviewed and updated every three (3) years or earlier as the need arises, in
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anticipation of disruptions, emergencies, crises, and new and emerging technologies.
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In order to effectively implement E-Governance across the government, a
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whole-of-government approach shall be adopted for the formulation and promotion
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of EGMP. This approach shall facilitate engagement primarily with the government
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agencies, instrumentalities, GOCCs, LGUs, Regional Development Councils (RDCs),
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ICT Councils, technical and standards organizations and other relevant stakeholders
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towards ensuring the full and effective implementation of the country's E-Governance
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Agenda. All E-Government Programs identified herein and, in the future, as well as in
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the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) of each government agency,
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instrumentality, and GOCCs shall be subject to mandatory review and monitoring by
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the DICT in order to be aligned with the EGMP and its accompanying integrated
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framework.
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SEC. 11. E-Government Programs. - The DICT shall develop the following
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programs and systems that will be regularly updated in consultation with the
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stakeholders. The Department shall also ensure that such programs and systems are
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compliant with the standards imposed by relevant laws, rules, and regulations relating
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to data privacy and security, including but not limited to Republic Act No. 10173,
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among others:
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a) Philippine Government Interoperability Framework - A Philippine government
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interoperability framework shall guide and govern the basic technical and
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informational interoperability of government ICT systems. Such a framework
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shall provide shared operations and services of the Philippine government,
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between and among its various agencies, as well as for these agencies in
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dealing with their various constituencies. This shall be reviewed and updated
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regularly, to ensure that this framework is responsive with the current needs
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of the government and aligned with the newly adopted standards;
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b) Records and Knowledge Management Information System - A records and
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knowledge management information system shall be designed to systematically
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and efficiently manage government documents, records and knowledge
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products and services. This includes the digitization of paper-based documents,
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records and knowledge products and services, as well as the re-engineering
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and digitalization of paper-based workflows, from creation, dissemination,
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processing, analysis, tracking, storing, verification and authentication, and
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archiving or disposal, while adhering to existing policies, laws and
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internationally-recognized standards and best practices;
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A repository and corresponding Secure Application Programming
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Interfaces (APIs) shall be created for the common data sets, which include
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pricing data, demographic data, geospatial data, in order to improve
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publication, sharing and utilization of data across the government. The DICT
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shall ensure that such repository shall be in compliance with applicable data
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privacy laws and information security standards, in coordination with the
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National Privacy Commission (NPC). The DICT shall also establish a government
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data storage and interoperability platform or its equivalent to store all
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information and services that are currently housed in the government data
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center;
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c) Integrated Government Network - An integrated, dedicated, interconnected,
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interoperable, secure and resilient government network, to be known as the
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"Integrated Government Network" (IGN) shall be established to act as the
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primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information,
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and data through digital and electronic platforms across all agencies of the
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government, covering all branches, agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of
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the national and local government, including government-owned and controlled
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corporations.
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Such network shall also act as the government's primary and focal
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information management tool and communications network and the data traffic
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that will be coursed by the government agencies and key stakeholders through
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this network will be exchanged through a designated Government Internet
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Protocol Exchange (G/IPX) facility. Interconnectivity and interoperability
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measures shall be established and maintained between all existing internal
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networks and the IGN. This program shall also cover the acquisition and
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management of internet resources of the government, such as internet protocol
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(IP) addresses, and domain names, among others;
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d) Integrated Local Government Unit (ILGU) System - In compliance with the
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immediately preceding paragraph, LGUs shall establish their own portal or
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utilize the Integrated Local Government Unit (ILGU) developed by the DICT, its
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equivalent programs and systems thereof: Provided, That LGUs that are unable
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to establish their own system within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act
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are mandated to utilize the ILGU or equivalent programs and systems:
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Provided, further, That LGUs establishing their own portal or those with existing
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portals shall immediately be connected by the DICT to the IGN, pursuant to
23 
Section 12, subparagraph (3) of this Act: Provided, finally, That the ILGU
24 
software or equivalent including its necessary infrastructure shall likewise be
25 
provided by the DICT for the effective use of the ILGU to the unserved and
26 
underserved municipalities;
27 
e) Government Digital Payment Systems for Collection and Disbursement - An
28 
internet-based electronic payment facility and gateway that will enable citizens
29 
and businesses to remit and receive payments electronically or from
30 
government agencies shall be created. It shall render services through various
31 
delivery channels, which include debit instructions (ATM accounts), credit
32 
instructions (credit cards) and mobile wallets (mobile application/SMS). For this
14


1 
purpose, the government may, in accordance with applicable laws and rules,
2 
engage the services of and interconnect with public and private Payment
3 
Service Providers (PSPs), systems, and facilities among others, consistent with
4 
the Nationai Retail Payment System Framework of the Bangko Sentral ng
5 
Pilipinas (BSP).
6 
These systems should smoothly interface with the current monitoring
7 
and accounting systems of the National Treasury;
8 
f) Citizen Frontiine Deiivery Services Piatform - Services that are needed to
9 
facilitate business and non-business transactions referring to permitting,
10 
licensing, and the issuance of any privilege, right, reward, clearance,
11 
authorization, or concession, including frontline services enrolled in the existing
12 
citizen's charter, whether or not related to business, corresponding back-
13 
and/support services, and regulatory functions related to permitting, iicensing,
14 
and the issuance of any privilege, right, reward, clearance, authorization, or
15 
concession shall be made efficient by integrating all agencies involved, such as
16 
but not limited to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of
17 
Foreign Affairs (DFA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Bureau of
18 
Investigation (NBI), Professional Regulation Commission, Department of Trade
19 
and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), BSP,
20 
Cooperative Deveiopment Authority (CDA), Bureau of Internai Revenue (BIR),
21 
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS),
22 
Home Deveiopment Mutuai Fund (HDMF), PAG-IBIG, and Phiiippine Health
23 
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), into one platform and shall be made
24 
available in a form of portal, mobile applications and other applicable variations
25 
thereof.
26 
All other government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including
27 
local government units which provide frontline services, as defined under
28 
Republic Act No. 9485, or the "Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007" as amended by
29 
Republic Act No. 11032, shaii file an application for integration with the DICT.
30 
All agencies, offices and instrumentalities that wiii be integrated shall establish
31 
and maintain measures to ensure that such services are accessibie and capable
32 
of delivery to the public through the platform;
15


1 
g) Online Public Service Porta! - Complementing the Citizen Frontline Delivery
2 
Services Platform, an Online Public Service Portal shall be made accessible,
3 
through digital platforms, such as the internet and other information and
4 
communications technologies, to citizens of the Philippines, foreign nationals
5 
who have been lawfully admitted in the country, and businesses organized and
6 
existing or operating under the laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes
7 
consistent with the efficient delivery of public services. The Online Public
8 
Service Portal shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens can request for
9 
information and assistance on government frontline services, service
10 
procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints, and
11 
feedback.
12 
For the purposes of interoperability, interconnection and harmonization,
13 
all existing systems or mechanisms, such as 8888 Citizens' Complaint Center,
14 
government social media channels, established and/or maintained by agencies,
15 
offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units shall be integrated to
16 
the Online Public Service Portal. Likewise, the Online Public Service Portal shall
17 
be fully integrated with the integrated government network and Records and
18 
Knowledge Management Information System for real time updating of data and
19 
information.
20 
To ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in
21 
accordance with the objectives of this Act, all national government agencies,
22 
offices, and instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations
23 
(GOCC), government financial institutions, as well as the local government
24 
units, are hereby mandated to cooperate and coordinate with the Presidential
25 
Management Staff (PMS) and each other to ensure prompt action on the
26 
concerns received through the Online Public Service Portal and associated
27 
communication channels.
28 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the
29 
resources, information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with
30 
all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and
31 
the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information, 
such as
32 
Republic Act No. 11032;
16


1 
h) Public Financial Management System - The Public Financial Management
2 
System (PFMS) shall be developed to facilitate the efficient processing of
3 
government financial transactions and timely generation of accurate and
4 
reliable information on all aspects of the government financial transaction
5 
processes. This shall enable greater financial management and control of the
6 
oversight and government agencies; ensure strict compliance with the General
7 
Appropriations Act and corresponding rules and regulations; ensure strict
8 
compliance with the government accounting standards, policies, rules, and
9 
regulations significantly improve treasury cash management; facilitate the
10 
generation of financial reports; and ease reportorial requirements from the
11 
various levels of government. The PFMS, in coordination with the Department
12 
of Budget and Management and Department of Finance, shall provide for the
13 
Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, Treasury
14 
Single Account, efficient budget preparation and execution system, and cash
15 
release program based on reliable cash forecasting and programming, regular
16 
in-year reporting and timely year-end auditing and reporting of agency financial
17 
and physical operations and systematic recording and reporting of all liabilities
18 
of government agencies, entities, bureaus, and instrumentalities: Provided,
19 
That government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities granted by law and
20 
by their respective Charters with fiscal and administrative autonomy in the
21 
performance of their constitutional and statutory mandates, shall independently
22 
develop, maintain undertake, supervise, and regulate their own Financial
23 
Management Systems and shall only be required to coordinate and report to
24 
the DICT for purposes of alignment of policy objectives;
25 
i) Procurement System - A modernized Philippine Government Procurement
26 
System shall be developed and implemented to provide an auditable online
27 
system that encompasses all procurement and supply chain management
28 
processes involving bidding, contract management, delivery, acceptance and
29 
payment for services or supplies: Provided, That government agencies, offices,
30 
and instrumentalities granted by law and by their respective Charters with fiscal
31 
and administrative autonomy in the performance of their constitutional and
32 
statutory mandates, shall independently develop, maintain, undertake.
17


1 
supervise and regulate their own Procurement Systems and shall only be
2 
required to coordinate and report to the DICT for purposes of alignment of
3 
policy objectives;
4 
j) Human Capital Management Information System - A Human Capital
5 
Management Information System (HCMIS) shall be developed in order to
6 
eliminate paper-based and manual human resource (HR)-related processes.
7 
Consistent with the applicable civil service laws and rules, the HCMIS shall
8 
automate the following HR-related functions in the government: recruitment
9 
and selection, appointment preparation and submission, personnel records
10 
keeping, salary, benefits and payroll administration, leave management,
11 
learning and development, rewards and recognition and performance
12 
management, among others. Further, this system shall utilize analytics and
13 
other emerging technologies to provide better and more relevant insights
14 
necessary for strategic HR functions such as performance management,
15 
forecasting, promotion, succession planning, among others: Provided, That
16 
government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities granted by law and by their
17 
respective Charters with fiscal and administrative autonomy in the performance
18 
of their constitutional and statutory mandates, including those that have been
19 
exempted from the Salary Standardization Law and have been granted
20 
authority to formulate their own classification systems, shall be allowed to
21 
independently develop, maintain, undertake, supervise and regulate their own
22 
HCMIS and shall only be required to coordinate and report to the DICT for
23 
purposes of alignment of policy objectives; and
24 
k) Government Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Program - The DICT shall
25 
encourage and promote the use of Government PKI digital certificates that shall
26 
allow paperless transactions and remote approval of signatories in the
27 
government. This would reduce red tape, and enforce Ease of Doing Business.
28 
The adoption of PKI aims to strengthen e-government security through its
29 
implementation in all government offices and supply of digital certificates to the
30 
citizens. The PKI digital certificates shall ensure the security of digital data and
31 
transactions by providing the following feature:
32 
1. Authentication to prevent unauthorized disclosure of information;
18


1 
2. Confidentiality to ensure that a message shall remain unmodified
2 
during transmission;
3 
3. Integrity to validate that the senders are exactly who they say they
4 
are; and
5 
4. Non-repudiation to ensure non-deniability of actions by any party.
6 
SEC. 12. Privacy Impact Assessment - A mandatory Privacy Impact
7 
Assessment (PIA), in accordance with relevant NPC guidelines shall be conducted on
8 
the proposed systems involved in processing personal data included in the EGMP prior
9 
to its publication to identify privacy risks and establish the appropriate controls
10 
framework, in line with existing data privacy and cybersecurity standards.
11 
SEC. 13. Minimum Information Security Standards Compliance. - The
12 
DICT shall establish and implement minimum Information Security Standards that are
13 
aligned with internationally accepted standards as well as relevant laws, rules and
14 
regulations including the information security standards and policies promulgated by
15 
the DICT, shall be established and implemented. Such standards shall cover all ICT
16 
systems used for E-Government.
17 
SEC. 14. Protection of Government Critical Information Infrastructure
18 
(CII). - The DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and
19 
stakeholders, shall issue guidelines for the protection of government Critical
20 
Information Infrastructure (CII) identified in the EGMP. All government CIIs shall be
21 
subjected to Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) before
22 
deploying such infrastructure. Further, an annual risk and security assessment shall
23 
be conducted at least once a year.
24 
SEC. 15. Public Service Continuity Plan. - All ICT systems and
25 
infrastructure covered in the priority programs of the EGMP as well as ISSPs shall be
26 
included as part of the Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) of all government
27 
agencies and instrumentalities, for the purpose of ensuring the continuous delivery of
28 
essential agency functions, notwithstanding any emergency or disruptions, consistent
29 
with the existing issuances of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
30 
Council (NDRRMC) and Civil Service Commission (CSC).
31 
SEC. 16. National E-Government Index and E-Government Maturity
32 
Survey. - The DICT shall, in coordination with other government agencies, establish
19


1 
a national E-Government Development Index which provides globally competitive E-
2 
Government indicators, definitions and statistical standards. A manual for measuring
3 
e-government indicators shali be also developed to institutionalize the framework of
4 
measurement.
5 
To support the estabiishment of this index and to assess the ICT readiness and
6 
maturity level of government agencies, an E-Government Maturity survey shall be
7 
conducted annually. The results of this survey shall primarily be used for the
8 
formulation and updating of EGMP.
9 
SEC. 17. Free Access to the Internet for the Public. - Republic Act No.
10 
10929 or the "Free Internet Access in Public Places Act" shall complement this Act.
11 
To further promote knowledge-building among citizens and enable them to
12 
participate and compete in the evolving information and communications age, the Free
13 
Public Internet Access Program shall likewise provide, through its Free Public Internet
14 
Access Fund (FPIAF), the associated or related computer systems and programs,
15 
databases and/or management and information systems, including the provisions of
16 
core transmission and distribution networks to support the said programs, subject to
17 
compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
18 
CHAPTER IV
19 
THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARDS
20 
SEC. 18. The Government E-BuUetin Board. - The government and all its
21 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including 
local governments, shall
22 
continuously improve their existing website and establish an e-Bulletin Board for
23 
purposes of information dissemination. The website 
shall be interactive, well-
24 
designed, functional, and mobile-friendly. Security and accessibility of the website
25 
shail be ensured. Website content shall be regularly updated.
26 
SEC. 19. Information Dissemination Through the Website and Board.
27 
- All government offices, agencies, and instrumentaiities which are mandated by the
28 
laws or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other
29 
information intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the
30 
traditional modes of publication, publish such notices, documents, or other information
31 
on the website and e-bulletin board and other verified official government social media
32 
accounts.
20


1 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication
2 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board
3 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with
4 
laws and rules requiring publication: Provided, That such website or bulletin board is
5 
accessible at such point in time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of this
6 
provision, the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document, or
7 
information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
8 
SEC. 20. Minimum Standards for Government Websites and
9 
Information Portals. - The following shall be the minimum standards for
10 
government websites and information portals:
11 
a) It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to: (i) description of the
12 
mission, statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency;
13 
and (ii) commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other
14 
common matters of public concern;
15 
b) It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and applicable
16 
portals for the delivery of public services;
17 
c) It shall include the ability to provide access to public information via an API;
18 
d) It shall include an up-to-date government directory containing the contact
19 
information, such as emails, telephone numbers, and the likes, of the offices
20 
and officials within an agency; and
21 
e) It shall be compliant with the Philippine Web Accessibility policy, or any relevant
22 
and updated issuance from the DICT.
23 
CHAPTER V
24 
SECURITY AND PRIVACY
25 
SEC. 21. Data and Information Security. - All resources, information, or
26 
data stored on or transmitted through the government information systems and all
27 
networks interconnected to and interoperable with it, the portals, and websites shall
28 
be kept secure and free from interference or unauthorized access that can hamper or
29 
otherwise compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information
30 
and communication technology assets.
31 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the government
32 
information systems shall be limited to the government and its duly authorized officers
21


1 
and agents, in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and
2 
information privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government
3 
information: Provided, That the data used by all concerned government agencies,
4 
offices, and instrumentalities with access to information systems and used data stored
5 
therein shall be destroyed or disposed of in accordance with acceptable standards and
6 
guidelines existing under the law for disposal of data upon fulfillment of its purpose.
7 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise
8 
of the security and integrity of the government information systems and all networks
9 
interconnected to and interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and
10 
the public shall incur criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable
11 
and/or relevant penal laws.
12 
SEC. 22. Responsibility of the National and Local Government. - All
13 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under
14 
this Act shall be responsible for:
15 
a) Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and
16 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure,
17 
disruption, modification, or destruction of information collected or maintained
18 
by or on behalf of the agency; and information systems used or operated by
19 
an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of
20 
an agency;
21 
b) Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such
22 
information and information systems and implementing the same in
23 
coordination with the DICT;
24 
c) Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and techniques
25 
to ensure that they are effectively implemented;
26 
d) Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security and
27 
privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines, including
28 
information security standards promulgated by the DICT and information
29 
security standards and guidelines for national security systems issued in
30 
accordance with law and as directed by the President of the Philippines;
31 
e) Ensuring that information security management processes are integrated with
32 
agency strategic and operational planning processes; and
22


1 
f) Adopting the Privacy-by-Design, Privacy Engineering, and Privacy-by-Default
2 
principles in developing, implementing, and deploying systems, processes,
3 
software applications, and services throughout the processing of personal data.
4 
SEC. 23. Master Data Management. - In order to have access to the most
5 
updated data, the government shall establish and maintain measures for ensuring that
6 
the parent government agency responsible for a set of data shall own, maintain,
7 
update, and protect the data while giving access via secure Application Programming
8 
Interface (API) to other agencies.
9 
CHAPTER VI
10 
PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
11 
SEC. 24. Government Cooperation with the Private Sector. - Nothing in
12 
this Act shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into
13 
contracts, agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various
14 
resources, assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the
15 
provisions of this Act.
16 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector within the context
17 
of this Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and
18 
transparency and good governance.
19 
CHAPTER VII
20 
THE ICT ACADEMY
21 
SEC. 33. Establishment of the ICT Academy and Its Purposes. - The
22 
DICT shall reorganize and restructure its ICT Literacy and Competency Development
23 
Bureau to establish and develop rules 
and policies for the operations of an ICT
24 
Academy, hereinafter referred to as the Academy that shall have the following
25 
purposes:
26 
a) To be a National Center of Excellence for ICT Education;
27 
b) To promote education for purposes of enhancing the nation's labor
28 
capacity in relation to the most relevant and updated data on local and
29 
international skills supply and demand;
30 
c) To promote, foster and conduct quality ICT education for the capacity
31 
development of all citizens;
23


1 
d) To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT
2 
development agenda, as provided in Republic Act No. 10844 through
3 
data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development programs
4 
and for other purposes;
5 
e) To conduct programs and activities for the capacity development of all
6 
citizens to be able to gain globally competitive skills and drive inclusive
7 
economic growth;
8 
f) Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and
9 
institutions for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's
10 
resources, its ICT curriculum, modules, and pedagogical approaches;
11 
g) To promote gender parity through technology education;
12 
h) To ensure continuous learning and development of educators on current
13 
and emerging ICT trends;
14 
i) To promote immersion of learners to industry partners whether it be
15 
private or in the public sector;
16 
j) To establish and implement a scholarship system offered to qualified
17 
individuals in training and programs under the Academy or other
18 
activities approved by the DICT Secretary;
19 
k) To facilitate the screening, admission process and monitoring of all
20 
admitted scholars;
21 
I) To spearhead academic research and development related to ICT;
22 
m) To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT
23 
skills, digital competence, and performance and suggest responsive
24 
policies to address concerns; and
25 
n) To collaborate with the Department of Education, the Commission on
26 
Higher Education, the Technical and Skills Development Authority, the
27 
Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), SUCs, LUCs, and the
28 
private industry in developing curricula and courses for learners and
29 
students on ICT, to upskill the ICT proficiency and competency of
30 
individuals.
31 
SEC. 34. Satellite Units. - The Academy may establish satellite units in the
32 
existing DICT offices in particular regions, provinces or municipalities in the country.
24


1 
To ensure broader access to quality ICT training and skills development and to further
2 
enhance the capability of the Academy to attain its purposes, additional satellite units
3 
may be established upon determination of the DICT and in coordination with the
4 
Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development
5 
Authority.
6 
SEC. 35. Access and Admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all
7 
citizens regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity,
8 
physical disability, political opinion or affiliation.
9 
The DICT, through the ICT Academy, shall promulgate an admission process
10 
that is fair and inclusive to ensure that citizens shall have equitable access to ICT
11 
education and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall have ICT education.
12 
SEC. 36. Finances. - The operations of the Academy shall be financially
13 
supported by a budget from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as
14 
through donations, in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
15 
Donations collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in trust by a
16 
Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no case be
17 
impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which they were
18 
donated.
19 
SEC. 37. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different
20 
educational institutions, technical and standards organizations, and private entities for
21 
purposes of achieving the goals of the Academy.
22 
Partnerships may be in the form of research collaborations, resource sharing,
23 
module and training development, faculty exchange standards development, training
24 
collaborations, internships, apprenticeships, and other similar forms.
25 
All partnerships to be entered into by the Academy shall be in accordance with
26 
the provisions of this law, and approved by the DICT Secretary. There shall be no
27 
disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government for the purpose of
28 
establishing these partnerships.
29 
The ICT Academy shall be empowered to accredit courses offered by
30 
educational institutions, private or public, following strict competency standards and
31 
guidelines developed by the DICT.
32 
CHAPTER IX
25


1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2 
SEC. 38. Transitory Provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this
3 
Act, the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and
4 
instrumentalities, as well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study,
5 
formulate, and implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its
6 
provision of services in the digital age.
7 
All new positions created under this Act shall be prioritized, subject to the
8 
review and approval of the DBM. Moreover, until such time that the government shall
9 
have completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all
10 
government activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner
11 
provided for under existing laws and rules.
12 
The government shall complete the transition within a period of three (3) years
13 
from the effectivity of this Act.
14 
SEC. 39. Regular Status Reports. - All agencies, offices, and
15 
instrumentalities of the national and local governments covered under this Act shall
16 
submit to the President, both Houses of Congress, and DICT, an annual report on the
17 
status of implementation of this Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly
18 
available on and through the e-portals. The status report shall include the following:
19 
a) The status of the implementation of electronic government initiatives in
20 
accordance to its approved ICT Plan;
21 
b) Compliance by the agency with this Act; and
22 
c) Performance in delivering programs through the e-government to
23 
constituencies.
24 
SEC. 40. E-Government Interoperability Fund (EIF). - There is hereby
25 
created an E-Government Interoperability Fund (EIF) under the management of the
26 
DICT to provide financing for the implementation of the EGMP, E-Government
27 
Programs and Government Websites, including ILGU System, among others, which
28 
shall be primarily sourced from the Spectrum User's Fees collected by the National
29 
Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The EIF may be funded through other
30 
sources to be identified by the DBM, as well as grants and loans from development
31 
and foreign partners, subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or
32 
through applicable public-private partnership mechanisms.
26


1 
SEC. 41. Appropriations and Funding. - The amount necessary to cover
2 
the initial implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged
3 
against the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or
4 
instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued
5 
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
6 
The amount necessary to implement this Act in the local government level shall
7 
be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
8 
SEC. 42. Application of RA No. 11312. - All ICT employees across all
9 
government agencies and instrumentalities, providing technical and administrative
10 
support to the implementation of all E-Government Programs in their respective
11 
agencies, shall be covered by RA No. 11312, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for
12 
Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S&T Personnel in the Government,
13 
Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 8439.
14 
SEC. 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred-
15 
eighty (180) from the effectivity of this Act, the DICT, in coordination with relevant
16 
offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall
17 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to properly and efficiently implement
18 
the provisions of this Act.
19 
SEC. 44. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on E-Governance.
20 
- There shall be created a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on E-Governance
21 
(JCOCEG) which shall monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act. It
22 
shall determine weaknesses and loopholes in the law, recommend the necessary
23 
remedial legislation or administrative measures and perform such other duties and
24 
functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Act.
25 
The JCOCEG shall be composed of three (3) members from the Senate and three
26 
(3) members from the House of Representatives, in addition to the Chairperson of the
27 
Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the Chairperson of the House of
28 
Representatives Committee on Information and Communications Technology:
29 
Provided, That one (1) member of each chamber's nominees shall come from the
30 
ranks of the minority party.
31 
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the
32 
Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and
27


1 
Communications Technology shall act as co-Chairpersons of the JCOCEG. The minority
2 
members nominated by both the Senate and the House of Representatives shall act
3 
as co-Vice Chairpersons. The Secretariat of the JCOCEG shall come from the existing
4 
Secretariat personnel of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Senate and
5 
the Committee on Information and Communications Technology of the House of
6 
Representatives. The JCOCEG shall have its own independent counsel.
7 
The JCOCEG shall exist for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the
8 
effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, its oversight functions shall be exercised by the
9 
Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the House of Representatives
10 
Committee on Information and Communications Technology, acting separately.
11 
SEC. 45. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared
12 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any affected thereby shall remain in
13 
force and effect.
14 
SEC. 46. Repeating Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
15 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions
16 
of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
17 
SEC. 50. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
18 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
19 
circulation.
Approved,
28