NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. ^^42
^fuatc
of foe *rrflnn>
72 NOV 23 P6:20
RKEIVED BY.
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution states that "The State shall 
regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from all sources for 
the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation of private groups, local 
governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of 
science and technology." The same provides in Article II, Section 24 that the State 
'recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation building."
The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the shift to online platforms. The new 
normal demands that the government consider and adopt digital transformation 
including the utilization of electronic services and platforms to strengthen its public 
service delivery. Through the use of information and communications technology, 
government services are brought closer to the people in a more seamless manner. 
This measure hopes to improve efficiency in the delivery of government services by 
eliminating usual causes of delays leading to unnecessary long lines, wastage in 
resources - money, time and energy - for people availing the services.
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. 
Moreover, this bill encourages government cooperation with the private sector in 
providing resources, assets, and services.
This bill seeks to establish an integrated, interconnected and interoperable 
information, resource sharing and communication network, which shall include internal 
records, management information system and digital portals covering the entire 
bureaucracy - at the local and national level. It also aims to institutionalize the 
utilization of internet, intranet and governance through electronic means as part of 
public service.
This measure shall complement Republic Act No. 11032, or the "Ease of Doing 
Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018".
In hope of making the government truly accessible across all available 
platforms, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMON/BONo REVILLA, JR.


1
2
3
4
ji' V' ’’
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No.
o( till' % f ctarp
72 NOV 23 P 6 -20
RECEIVED 8V
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act of
5 
2022!'
6 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
7 
recognize the vital role of information and communication technology in nation
8 
building and the necessity of harnessing its potential in pursuit of national
9 
development and progress. The State hereby adopts a policy to create, foster, and
10 
sustain an integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online
11 
people-centered services for a digitally empowered nation. In pursuit of this policy,
12 
this Act shall have the following purposes:
13 
a. Provide effective leadership of government efforts to develop and promote
14 
electronic government services and processes by providing guidance to the
15 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in
16 
accordance with its mandate;
17 
b. Promote the use of internet, intranet, and other information and
18 
communications technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen
19 
participation in government;


1 
c. Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government
2 
services, by integrating related functions and use of internal electronic
3 
government processes, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the
4 
processes;
5 
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and program
6 
performance goals;
7 
e. Promote the use of internet, intranet, and emerging technologies within and
8 
across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information
9 
and services;
10 
f. Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
11 
g. Promote evidence-based decision making by policy makers through use of data
12 
analytics;
13 
h. Promote access to high quality government information and services across
14 
multiple channels;
15 
i. Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable by
16 
transforming their operations through utilization of, where appropriate, best
17 
practices from public and private sector organizations, both local and
18 
international; and
19 
j. Provide enhanced access to government information and services consistent
20 
with data privacy, national security and other relevant laws.
21 
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies
22 
including local government units (LCDs) and government-owned or -controlled
23 
corporations and instrumentalities (GOCCs).
24 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are defined
25 
as follows:
26 
a. E-Governance refers to use of information and communications technology by
27 
the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of
28 
government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable
29 
and transparent government service;
30 
b. Workflow refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other
31 
processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion;


1 
c. Intranet refers to a secure and private enterprise network that shares data or
2 
application resources via Internet Protocol;
3 
d. Internet refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data or
4 
application resources via Internet Protocol;
5 
e. ICT assets refer to any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or
6 
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in
7 
accordance with its mandate, utilized to ensure or support the proper and
8 
efficient operation and implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of
9 
ICT services;
10 
f. ICT Plan refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, and
11 
programs for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use of
12 
information and communications technology, including digital platforms, to
13 
deliver public services or otherwise perform governmental functions.
14 
CHAPTER 2
15 
ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT
16 
Sec. 5. Responsibilities of the Heads of Government Agencies. - The head of
17 
each agency, office, and instrumentality of the national and local governments shall
18 
be responsible for;
19 
a. Complying with the requirements of this Act, Including related standards for all
20 
ICT infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology,
21 
which shall be promulgated by the Department of Information and
22 
Communications Technology (DICT);
23 
b. Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency,
24 
privacy, and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the DICT;
25 
c. Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the DICT
26 
are communicated promptly and effectively to all relevant officials within their
27 
agency; and
28 
d. Supporting the efforts of the national and local governments to develop,
29 
maintain, and promote an integrated Internet-based system of delivering
30 
Federal Government information and services to the public.
31


2 
To these ends: 
j
3 
a. Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how electronic
4 
government enables progress toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and
5 
statutory mandates;
6 
b. In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections to
7 
the extent practicable. Areas of performance measurement that agencies
8 
should include customer service; agency productivity; and adoption of
9 
Innovative information technology, including the appropriate use of commercial
10 
best practices;
11 
c. Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups,
12 
including citizens, businesses, and other governments; d. As appropriate,
13 
agencies shall work collectively in linking their performance goals to key groups
14 
and shall use information technology in delivering government information and
15 
services to those groups.
16 
Sec. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology
17 
(Did). - The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICnQ
18 
shall, in addition to its mandates and functicjns under Republic Act 10844:
19 
a. Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and Initiatives to ensure
20 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and
21 
agency networking linkages among government agencies, consistent
22 
with E-Government objectives in particular, and national objectives in
23 
general;
24 
b. Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT
25 
infrastructures and designs, taking into consideration the inventory of
26 
existing manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed
27 
systems;
28 
c. Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the
29 
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of
30 
laws, standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;


1 
d. Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and deveiopment
2 
programs of the government; and
3 
e. Prescribe, in accordance with appiicabie civii service iaws and rules, the
4 
creation of ICT-related government positions and corresponding
5 
compensation rates aligned with the personnel needs of a digitized
6 
government, as well as the qualifications, standards, duties, and
7 
functions essential to the effective development and operation of
8 
government ICT infrastructures and systems.
9 
Sec. 7. DICTto act as the Primary Implementing Body. - The DICT shall be the primary
10 
implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects in the
11 
Philippines shall be done in accordance with the National ICT Development Agenda.
12 
For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies under this
13 
Act and ensure that all ICT projects in the Philippines, whether national or local, are
14 
harmonized with the overall ICT plans and in compliance with applicable standards.
15 
Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for the following:
16 
a. Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and
17 
adoption of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act;
18 
b. Ensuring the quality, security, reliability, and interoperability of all ICT
19 
infrastructure and services In accordance with International or industrial
20 
standards, specifications, and best practices;
21 
c. Tapping into the private sector and entering into partnerships and joint
22 
ventures in accordance with the goals of this Act;
23 
d. Mandate and supervise the adoption of policies and processes to ensure the
24 
Implementation 
of this Act:
25 
e. Mandate and supervise the interconnection or interoperability of ICT
26 
infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary to achieve the goals of
27 
this Act; and
28 
f. Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and
29 
facilities, and in the exercise of such functions, in accordance with applicable
30 
laws and rules, charge reasonable administrative and operational fees as may
31 
be necessary.


1 
Sec. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office (DICT-PMO). - Within one year
2 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide Project
3 
Management Office, which shall cater to and address to the portfolio, program, and
4 
project management needs of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring
5 
that ICT projects across the government are managed with efficiency and agility
6 
following international best practices and standards, to deliver successful projects,
7 
with the goal of delivering lasting benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT
8 
services.
9 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and as to the
10 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain
11 
Internationally-recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project
12 
Management, Program Management, FT Service Management, The Open Group
13 
Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, and other similar fields or specializations.
14 
Sec. 9. Indusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the
15 
Philippine Citizen Connect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing
16 
programs regarding the provision of government information and services over the
17 
internet and other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on
18 
persons without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent
19 
practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services has
20 
not been or will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the
21 
Internet; and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government Information
22 
and services more accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access
23 
to the internet or other platforms and channels.
24 
CHAPTER 3
25 
THE INTEGRATED GOVERNMENT NETWORK
26 
Sec. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT shall
27 
establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government
28 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network' (IGN), which shall act
29 
as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information,
30 
and data through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of the government.


1 
The IGN shall also act as the government's primary and focal information management
2 
tool and communications network.
3 
Sec. 11. Scope and Coverage of the IGN. - The IGN shall cover all branches,
4 
agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, including
5 
government-owned and controlled corporations and instrumentalities.
6 
Sec. 12. Interconnectivity and Interoperability of the IGN to Existing
7 
Government Networks. - All internal networks already established and maintained by
8 
any government agency, office, or instrumentality, including local governments, shall
9 
upon the effectivity of this Act, enact measures to establish interconnection to and
10 
interoperability with the IGN.
11 
Sec. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The government
12 
shall establish, maintain, and support a records management system for the
13 
systematic, efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and public
14 
documents and records. All paper-based documents and records shall be digitized,
15 
migrated to, and managed through this system. The government shall establish a
16 
framework to allow efficient interoperability among agencies, offices, and
17 
instrumentalities of the national and local government when using electronic
18 
signatures, including processing of digital signatures.
19 
Sec. 14. Internal Email and Communication Network. - The government shall
20 
establish and maintain an internal email and communications network, to be known
21 
as "GovMail," for internal and intra-government communications, information
22 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and other similar and related
23 
purposes. It shall be structured in a manner that ensures that the use and operation
24 
of such email networks shall be accessible, safe, interactive, interconnected, and
25 
interoperable. Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows.
26 
Sec. 15. Migration, Digitization, and Automation of Paper-based Workflows. -
27 
All paper-based government and bureaucratic workflows involving internal
28 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and
29 
other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as
30 
practicable, automated.


1 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information
2 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and
3 
sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be allowed
4 
to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be deemed
5 
appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency.
6 
CHAPTER 4
7 
THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION DATABASE
8 
Sec. 16. The Philippine Information Database (PID). - The government shall
9 
establish, maintain, and support an individual information database which shall act as
10 
a national repository and directory of information and data on citizens of the
11 
Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enter
12 
the Philippines through legal channels.
13 
Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names,
14 
addresses, whether permanent or temporary, national identification numbers, dates
15 
and places of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and other
16 
associated information: Provided, that the acquisition and storage of data and
17 
information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and
18 
international laws and rules on privacy of data and information.
19 
Sec. 17. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current
20 
Philippine Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for
21 
collecting, storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with
22 
the database, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
23 
Sec. 17. Access to and Use of the Database. - The database shali be accessible,
24 
through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies, offices, and
25 
instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with legitimate and valid
26 
public purposes, subject to the Republic Act 10173 or "Data Privacy Act." All
27 
government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the database shall
28 
maintain a record of all the Instances when, where, and how such agency, office, or
29 
instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed any information
30 
or data stored on the database and the purposes of such access, including the identity


1 
of the actual person or persons gaining access to the said database. Notwithstanding
2 
the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, information, and data
3 
on the database shall be in accordance with ail relevant domestic and internationai
4 
laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules
5 
on confidentiality of government information.
6 
Sec. 19. Automatic and Rea! time Updating of Information. - The government
7 
shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the
8 
database shall automatically and in real time be updated across the entire government
9 
network, regardless of when and where the change In such data or information was
10 
first made or submitted, with the end view that an update made at any access point
11 
in the government network shall automatically be reflected and 22 accessible across
12 
all access points in real time.
13 
Sec. 20. Creation of Data Exchange Protocols. — The DICT shall establish a
14 
data exchange protocol between and among agencies and the private sector which
15 
shall ensure legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with
16 
applicable domestic and international laws on data privacy.
17 
CHAPTER 5
18 
THE PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTORY
19 
Sec. 21. The Public Service Directory (PSD). - The government shall establish,
20 
maintain, and support a directory, to be known as the "Philippine Public Service
21 
Directory" of all civil and public officials and servants throughout the country,
22 
including names, titles, telephone and facsimile numbers, department names, office
23 
locations, and e-mail addresses. Any changes to the information stored on and
24 
accessed through the directory shall be reflected in real time.
25 
Sec. 22. Access to and Use of the PSD. - The directory shall be accessible,
26 
through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of the Philippines
27 
and foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate channels
28 
for legitimate and valid purposes consistent with civil service rules and the right of the
29 
public to information.


1 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
2 
information, and data on the directory shall be In accordance with all relevant laws,
3 
rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on
4 
confidentiality of government information.
5 
CHAPTER 6
6 
THE GOVERNMENT E-PORTALS
7 
Sec. 23. Establishment of Online Public Service Portals (OPSP) - In accordance
8 
with the policy of the government to maintain and promote an integrated internet-
9 
based system of providing the public with access to government information and
10 
services, the government, through the DICT, shall establish, maintain, 
and
11 
continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens can
12 
request for information and assistance on government frontline services, service
13 
procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints, and feedback. The
14 
online portal shall also serve as a centralized contact point where all communications
15 
from the public through such portal may be routed, logged, responded to, and
16 
ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for proper handling and
17 
resolution, and follow through if necessary.
18 
Sec. 24. Access to and Use of the OPSP. - The portal shall be accessible, through
19 
digital platforms such as the intranet and internet, to citizens of the Philippines, foreign
20 
nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate channels, and
21 
businesses organized and existing or operating under the laws and rules of the
22 
Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient delivery of public services.
23 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
24 
information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all relevant laws,
25 
rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on
26 
confidentiality of government information.
27 
Sec. 25. Government Frontline Services through the OPSP. - All government
28 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined
29 
under Republic Act 9485 or''Anti-Red Tape Act of2007', as amended, shall establish
30 
and maintain measures to ensure that such services are accessible and capable of
31 
delivery to the public through the portal. All offices and agencies which provide
10


1 
frontline services are hereby mandated to regularly undertake time and motion
2 
studies, undergo evaluation and improvement of their transaction systems and
3 
procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed necessary to maximize the use of the
4 
portal for efficiency and transparency.
5 
Sec. 26. Access to Frontline Services. - The following shall be adopted by all
6 
government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:
7 
a. Acceptance of Applications and Requests - All officers or employees shall accept
8 
written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by ciients of
9 
the office or agencies through the portal.
10 
The responsible officer or employee shall acknowledge receipt of such
11 
application and/or request by writing or printing cleariy thereon, through the
12 
portal, his/her name, the unit where he/she is connected with, and the time
13 
and date of receipt.
14 
The receiving officer or employee shall perform a preliminary
15 
assessment of the request so as to promote a more expeditious action on
16 
requests.
17 
b. Action of the Concerned Offices - All applications and/or requests submitted
18 
through the portal shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or empioyee
19 
during the period stated in the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than
20 
five (5) working days in the case of simple transactions and ten (10) working
21 
days in the case of compiex transactions from the date the request or
22 
appiication was received.
23 
Depending on the nature of the frontline services requested or the
24 
mandate of the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum
25 
time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due to the nature
26 
of frontline services or the mandate of the office or agency concerned the
27 
period for the deiivery of frontiine services shall be indicated in the Citizen's
28 
Charter. The office or agency concerned shall notify the requesting party In
29 
writing of the reason for the extension and the finai date of release for the
11


1 
extension and the final date of release of the frontline service/s requested. No
2 
application or request shall be returned to the client without appropriate action.
3 
In case an application or request is disapproved, the officer or employee
4 
who rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to the client within five
5 
working days from the receipt of the request and/or application, stating therein
6 
the reason for the disapproval including a list of specific requirement/s which
7 
the client failed to submit.
8 
c. Denial of Request for Access to Government Service - Any denial of request
9 
for access to government service shall be fully explained in writing and through
10 
the portal, stating the name of the person making the denial and the grounds
11 
upon which such denial is based.
12 
Any denial of request is deemed to have been made with the permission
13 
or clearance from the highest authority having jurisdiction over the government
14 
office or agency concerned.
15 
d. Access to Progression of Frontline Service Requests through the OPSP - All
16 
offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through the portal
17 
the progress of all frontline service requests in real time.
18 
e. Adoption of Working Schedules to serve clients through the OPSP - Heads of
19 
offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt appropriate
20 
working schedules to ensure that all clients requested for public services
21 
through the portal are attended to and served even during lunch break and
22 
after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent civil service rules.
23 
f. Identification of Public Employees - All employees transacting with the public
24 
shall be provided with an official identification card which should be publicly
25 
accessible through the online portal. Government agencies, offices, and
26 
instrumentalities mandated under this Act to provide and deliver public services
27 
through the portal shall not in any way require the person requesting for such
28 
public service to physically go and report to the physical office of such agency,
29 
office, or instrumentality where the purpose of such physical presence may be
30 
reasonably accomplished through the online portal.
12


1 
Sec. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the
2 
OPSP, the government shall establish an internet-based electronic payment system
3 
and facility to enable citizens and businesses to remit payments through digital
4 
platforms to the government agencies to which such payments are due. For this
5 
purpose, the government may engage the services of and interconnect with public
6 
and private payment systems and facilities, in accordance with applicable laws and
7 
rules.
8 
Sec. 28. The Citizens'Concerns Center. -There is hereby established a Citizens'
9 
Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their
10 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic
11 
Act 9485 or "Anti-Red Tape Act of2007', as amended, and other relevant laws, and/or
12 
corruption or misconduct on the part of any government agency, government-owned
13 
or controlled corporation, government financial institution, and other instrumentalities
14 
of the government or any of its officers, officials, or employees. The Center shall be
15 
under the direction and supervision of the Office of the Executive Secretary, in
16 
partnership with the Civil Service Commission and the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and
17 
in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government and their
18 
representatives from the LGUs.
19 
Sec. 29. Integration with Existing Public Feedback Mechanisms. - All existing
20 
public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by
21 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully
22 
integrated with the Center. For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives of
23 
this Act, the Center may enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the
24 
interconnection, interoperability, and Integration of the public feedback mechanisms.
25 
Sec. 30. Integration with the Internal Government Network and Database. -
26 
The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully
27 
integrated with the internal government network and database for real time updating
28 
of data and information.
29 
Sec. 31. Minimum Operating Standards. - The Center, including its sub-
30 
operation units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:
13


1 
a. Communications Channels - The Center shall provide communications
2 
channels which include but are not limited to the following:
3 
i. 
Telephone;
4 
ii. 
Short message service (SMS) or text message service:
5 
iii. 
Electronic mail (email);
6 
iv. 
Social media; or
7 
V. Other emerging communications media which can reasonably be
8 
used to fulfill the purposes of the Center;
9 
b. Operating Hours - The Center shall operate, through any of its
10 
communications channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days
11 
a week, including national holidays and days in which work is suspended
12 
for whatever reason, for which purpose the Center may establish
13 
effective measures and hire the necessary personnel;
14 
c. Process Flow - A citizen's concern received through any of the
15 
communications channels shall immediately be encoded onto the PID
16 
and referred, directly or indirectly, in real time, to the concerned agency,
17 
office, or instrumentality for appropriate action through the Internal
18 
government network. The complainant shall be given advice or feedback
19 
on the status of the concern until its resolution;
20 
d. Period to Take Action - A citizen's concern filed and received through
21 
any of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific
22 
action within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper
23 
government agency or instrumentality. For purposes of this provision,
24 
the period provided shall exclude such time outside the normal office
25 
hours of the agency or office concerned.
26 
Sec. 32. Cooperation of Government Agencies and LGUs. - To ensure that the
27 
public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the objectives of this
28 
Act, all nationai government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, government-
29 
owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, as well as the
30 
local government units, are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the Office of
31 
the Executive Secretary and each other to ensure prompt action on the concerns
32 
received through the communications channels of the Center.
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CHAPTER 7
THE PHILIPPINE CITIZEN CONNECT PROGRAM
Sec. 33. The Philippine Citizen Connect Program. - The government shall 
establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine Citizen Connect', to assist and 
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 25 public services from the government in their localities.
Sec. 34. Free Access to the Internet for the Public. - Pursuant to Republic Act 
10929 or the "Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through the 
DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access to Internet service in 
public places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout the 
country, to enable access to the online portals, promote knowledge-building among 
citizens, and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving information and 
communication age.
Sec. 35. Provision and Maintenance of Internet-capable Devices in AH Barangay 
Centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain internet- 
capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the purpose of 
enabling efficient and timely access to government services.
Sec. 36. Staffing Requirement for Internet Access. - All barangay centers shall 
ensure that there will be government staff present to help the public access the 
government portal and perform online transactions with government agencies, offices, 
and instrumentalities.
CHAPTER 8
THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARD
Sec. 37. The Government E-BuHetin Board (GEBB). - The government and all 
its agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each 
establish and maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of 
information sharing and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to 
ensure accessibility and security.
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Sec. 38. Information Dissemination through the Website and GEBB. - All
2 
government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws
3 
or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information
4 
intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the traditional
5 
modes therefore, publish such notices, documents, or other information on the
6 
website and e-bulletin board.
7 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication
8 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board
9 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with
10 
laws and rules requiring publication: provided, that such website or e-bulletin board is
11 
accessible at such point in time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of this
12 
provision, the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document, or
13 
information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
14 
Sec. 39. Minimum Standards for Government Websites and Information Portais.
15 
- The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites and
16 
information portals:
17 
a. It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to description of the mission,
18 
statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency: and
19 
commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other common
20 
matters of public concern; and
21 
b. It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and applicable
22 
portals for the delivery of public services.
23 
CHAPTER 9
24 
SECURITY AND PRIVACY
25 
Sec. 40. Data and Information Security. - All resources, information, or data
26 
stored on or transmitted through the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
27 
interoperable with it, the PID, the PSD, OPSP, and websites shall be kept secure and
28 
free from interference or unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise
29 
compromise the integrity of the information and communication technology assets.
30 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be limited
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to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance with all
2 
relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent
3 
rules on confidentiality of government information.
4 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise
5 
of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
6 
Interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shail incur
7 
criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or relevant penal
8 
laws.
9 
Sec. 41. Responsibility of the National and Local Government - All agencies,
10 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act shall
11 
be responsible for:
12 
a. Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and
13 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure,
14 
disruption, modification, or destruction of Information collected or maintained
15 
by or on behalf of the agency, and information systems used or operated by an
16 
agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of an
17 
agency;
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b. Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such
19 
information and Information systems and implementing the same;
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c. Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and techniques
21 
to ensure that they are effectively implemented;
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d. Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security and
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privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. Including
24 
information security standards promulgated by the Department of Information
25 
and Communications Technology: and information security standards and
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guidelines for national security systems issued in accordance with law and as
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directed by the President; and
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e. Ensuring that information security management processes are Integrated with
29 
agency strategic and operational planning processes.
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CHAPTER 10
2 
PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
3 
Sec. 42. Government Cooperation with the Private Sector. - Nothing in this Act
4 
shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts,
5 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources,
6 
assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of
7 
this Act.
8 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of
9 
this Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and transparency
10 
and good governance.
11 
Sec. 43. Partnerships with Educational Institutions. - The DICT-PMO may form
12 
partnerships with different educational institutions and private entities for iearning and
13 
development. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and
14 
training development, faculty exchange, standards development, training
15 
collaboration, and other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the DICT-
16 
PMO shall be in accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and shall
17 
not require the disbursement of any funds by the government.
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CHAPTER 11
19 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
20 
Sec. 44. Transitory Provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act,
21 
the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and instrumentalities, as
22 
well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and
23 
implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of
24 
services in the digital age. For purposes of this Act, until such time that the
25 
government shall have completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of
26 
this Act, all government activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the
27 
manner provided for under existing laws and rules. The government shall complete
28 
the transition in a maximum of three (3) years from effectivity of this Act.
29 
Sec. 45. Regular Status Reports. - All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of
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the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit an annual
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report on the status of implementation of this Act to the President, through the DICT,
2 
and the Congress, through the Chairperson of the Committees of Science and
3 
Technology. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available on and through
4 
the e-portals.
5 
Sec. 46. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial
6 
implementation of this Act at the national government level shall be charged against
7 
the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or
8 
instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued
9 
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The
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amount necessary to implement this Act at the local government level shall be charged
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against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
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Sec. 47. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Information
13 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, and
14 
instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the necessary
15 
rules and regulations to properly and efficiently Implement this Act within ninety (90)
16 
days from the effect!vity of this Act.
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Sec. 48. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
18 
unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain
19 
in full force and effect.
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Sec. 49. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters
21 
of instruction and other presidential Issuances which are contrary to, or inconsistent
22 
with, the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.
23 
Sec. 50. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following
24 
its publication either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
25 
circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,
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