NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
i/Dffitf o{ llie “ ' ?fnrt>
*22 NOV 29 P6:2
RliCEIViiO B’'.
SENATE
7
s. B. NO. 1574
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING E-GOVERNANCE IN THE GOVERNMENT, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the latest doing business report prepared by the World Bank in 2020, the 
Philippines ranked 171st out of 190 countries in terms of starting a business, 120th in 
terms of registering property and 95th among paying taxes.1 Further, according to the 
latest 2022 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking prepared by the International 
Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines had the lowest ranking 
among Southeast Asian countries at 13th among the 14 Asia-Pacific economies, 
ahead only of Mongolia.2
These statistics indicate that the Philippines has some catching up to do in 
terms of digitalization, not just for its citizens, but the government as well. The 
present could not be a better time as according to a study by the Asian Development 
Bank, the Asia and Pacific region is entering the 4th industrial revolution and must 
adopt and adapt to the industry's evolving needs by implementing programs geared 
towards transitioning to a digital economy and digital solutions.3
In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this reality in the past two 
years after the government and most businesses have shut down their physical 
operations following the imposition of community quarantines. As the world slowly 
opens up and recovers from the pandemic, the Philippines must continue in its path 
to digitalization.
1 “World Bank Doing Business 2020.” Retrieved from
https:/Awww.doingbusiness.org/content/dam/doingBusiness/country/p/philippines/PHL.pdf (date last accessed: November 27,
2022).;sVpi
2 September 29, 2022. Philippines improves in digital competitiveness. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/top- 
stories/2022/09/29/477384/philippines-improves-in-digital-competitiveness/ (date last accessed: November 27, 2022).;Sip;
3 “Reaping The Benefits Of Industry 4.0 Through Skills Development In The Philippines.” Asian Development Bank. Retrieved 
from https://www.adb.org/publications/series/reaping-benefits-industry-skills-development (date last accessed: November 27, 
2022).


This measure seeks to institutionalize electronically-enabled government
processes in order to make government processes and procedures more efficient,
prompt and economical. Among others, this bill:
a) 
Mandates all government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, including local 
government units to publish all relevant information not only via the traditional 
mode, but also via online means;
b) 
Assigns the Department of Information and Communications Technology as the 
lead agency to implement the provisions of the Act, including the harmonization 
of all national ICT plans and initiatives;
c) 
Establishes the Project Management Office (PMO), which shall cater to and 
address the portfolio, program, and project management needs of government 
agencies;
d) 
Establishes the Integrated Government Network which shall be the master plan 
and primary means for sharing and communication of resources, information 
and data on digital and electronic platforms across all government offices;
e) 
Mandates the establishment and maintenance of a “GovMail” network to be 
used in all communications, information dissemination and sharing of 
information;
f) 
Establishes the Philippine Individual Information Database, which shall be 
integrated with the existing database mandated under Republic Act No. 11055 
or the Philippine Identification System Act;
g) 
Mandates the automatic and real time updating of public information regardless 
of the time and location where such change or update was communicated;
h) 
Creates the Public Service Directory containing the names and contact 
numbers of all government agencies, offices and instrumentalities and their 
respective officials, which shall be available to the public;
i) 
Establishes the Online Public Service Portal where individuals and businesses 
can access information and ask for assistance;
j) 
Creates the Citizens’ Concerns Center where citizens can report their 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under the 
Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, as amended, and other relevant corruption laws, 
rules and regulations;
k) 
Establishes the Philippine Citizen Connect to assist and help any citizen who 
does not have access to, or need help with using computers, the internet, and 
other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of public 
services from the government in their localities; and


Creates the Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC) to, 
among others, plan and implement infrastructure programs, such as, but not 
limited to, the National Broadband Plan, Free Wi-Fi for All, and expansion of the 
National Government Data Centers and Government Cloud.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JOElt VILLANUEVAY


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
of l!)r ol:U|>
*22 NOV 29 P6:23
SENATE
S. B. NO. 1574
Rl'CElVLD 3'.
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING E-GOVERNANCE IN THE GOVERNMENT, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy and Purposes. - It is hereby declared the policy 
of the State to recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation­
building and the necessity of harnessing the power of information and communications 
technology in pursuit of national development and progress. The State hereby adopts a 
policy to create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government 
that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services for a globally 
competitive Filipino nation. In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following 
purposes:
a) 
Provide effective leadership of government efforts to develop and promote 
electronic government services and processes by providing guidance to the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in accordance 
with its mandate;
b) 
Provide increased opportunities for citizen participation, accountability and 
involvement in government processes by enabling them to benefit from more 
efficient government services made possible by electronic processes;is)p:
c) 
Promote use of the internet, intranet and other information and communications 
technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen participation in 
government;
d) 
Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government services, 
where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by integrating 
related functions, and in the use of internal electronic government processes, 
where this collaboration would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the


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processes;
e) 
Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and program 
performance goals;
f) 
Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emerging technologies within and 
across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information 
and services;
g) 
Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities through 
the use of internet, intranet, and emerging technologies;
h) 
Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers, taking 
into consideration data analytics results;
i) 
Promote access to high quality government information and services across 
multiple channels;
j) 
Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable;
k) 
Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best practices from 
public and private sector organizations, both local and international;
l) 
Strengthen and prepare systems in place for contingencies like natural disasters 
or pandemics that may otherwise limit citizen mobility and access to services; and
m) 
Provide enhanced access to government information and services in a manner 
consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy, national security, 
records retention, access for persons with disabilities, and other relevant laws.
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies
including local government units (LGUs) and government-owned or controlled
corporations (GOCCs).
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are
defined as follows:
a) 
E-Governance refers to the use of information and communications technology by 
the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of 
government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable and 
transparent government service;
b) 
Workflow refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes 
through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion;
c) 
Intranet refers to a secure and private enterprise network that shares data or 
application resources via Internet Protocol;
d) 
Internet refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data or 
application resources via Internet Protocol;
e) 
ICT assets refers any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or 
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in accordance


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with its mandate, utilized to ensure or support the proper and efficient operation 
and implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of ICT services; and
f) ICT Plan refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, and 
programs for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use of 
information and communications technology, including digital platforms, to deliver 
public services or otherwise perform governmental functions.
CHAPTER 1
ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT
SEC. 5. Responsibilities of the Heads of Government Agencies. - The head 
of each agency, office, and instrumentality of the national and/or local government shall 
be responsible for:
a) 
Complying with the requirements of this Act, including related standards for all ICT 
infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology, which shall 
be set by the DICT;
b) 
Complying with the standards and protocols for cyber security, resiliency, privacy, 
and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the DICT;
c) 
Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the DICT are 
communicated promptly and effectively to all relevant officials within their agency; 
and
d) 
Supporting the efforts of the national and local governments to develop, maintain, 
and promote an integrated Internet-based system of delivering information and 
services to the public.
To these ends:
a) 
Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how electronic 
government enables progress toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and 
statutory mandates;
b) 
In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections to the 
extent practicable. Areas of performance measurement should include customer 
service, agency productivity, and adoption of innovative information technology 
including the appropriate use of commercial best practices;
c) 
Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups, 
including citizens, businesses, and other governments; and
d) 
As appropriate, agencies shall work collectively in linking their performance goals 
to key groups and shall use information technology in delivering government 
information and services to those groups.
SEC. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT). - The DICT shall, in addition to its mandates and functions under 
Republic Act No. 10844, or the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology Act of 2015:


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a) 
Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and initiatives to ensure 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and agency 
networking linkages among government agencies, consistent with E-Government 
objectives in particular, and national objectives in general;
b) 
Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT 
infrastructure and designs, taking into consideration the inventory of existing 
manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed systems;
c) 
Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the development 
of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws, standards, rules, and 
regulations governing ICT;
d) 
Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and development programs of 
the government; and
e) 
Prescribe, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the creation 
of ICT-related government positions and corresponding compensation rates 
aligned with the personnel needs of a digitalized government, as well as the 
qualifications, standards, duties, and functions essential to the effective 
development and operation of government ICT infrastructures and systems.
SEC. 7. DICT as the Primary Implementing Body. - The DICT shall be the 
primary implementing body and principal administrator of this Act, which shall ensure 
that all ICT-related projects in the country are done in accordance with the national ICT 
development agenda formulated by the DICT.
For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies under 
this Act and ensure that all ICT projects in the Philippines, whether national or local, are 
harmonized with the overall ICT plans of the government and in compliance with 
applicable standards. Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for the following:
a) 
Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and adoption 
of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act;
b) 
Ensuring the quality, security, reliability, and interoperability of all ICT 
infrastructure and services in accordance with international standards and best 
practices;
c) 
Tapping into the private sector and entering into partnerships and joint ventures in 
accordance with the goals of this Act;
d) 
Mandate and supervise the adoption of policies and processes to ensure the 
implementation of this Act;
e) 
Mandate and supervise the interconnection or interoperability of ICT infrastructure, 
systems, and facilities to achieve the goals of this Act; and
f) 
Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and 
facilities, and in the exercise of such functions, charge reasonable administrative 
and operational fees as may be necessary, in accordance with applicable laws, 
rules and regulations.


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SEC. 8. The DICT Project Management Office. - Within one year from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DICT shall establish a Project Management Office (PMO), 
which shall cater to and address the portfolio, program, and project management needs 
of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring that ICT projects across the 
government are managed with efficiency and agility following international best 
practices and standards to facilitate the delivery of immediate and quality services 
through the use of new or enhanced ICT services.
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and the 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO; Provided, That at the minimum, the 
personnel in the PMO shall have obtained internationally-recognized certifications and 
appropriate units or credentials on Project Management, Program Management, IT 
Service Management ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), The Open 
Group Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, and other similar fields or 
specializations. For this purpose, the ICT Academy created under this Act shall ensure 
that related courses, multimodal training, and certifications are regularly offered.
SEC. 9. Inclusivity. - In accordance with the Philippine Citizen Connect 
Program provided under this Act, all policies, programs, activities and projects pursuant 
to this Act shall ensure access and connectivity to all citizens, especially to those 
without or with limited access to the internet. In all cases, the DICT shall ensure the 
availability of government information and services to all, regardless of the availability of 
internet services. For this purposes, all agencies covered under this Act shall pursue 
alternate modes of delivery of information and services.
CHAPTER 2
THE INTEGRATED GOVERNMENT NETWORK
SEC. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT 
shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall be the 
master plan and primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, 
information, and data on digital and electronic platforms across all government offices. 
The IGN shall also act as the government's primary and focal information management 
tool and communications network.
SEC. 11. Scope and Coverage of the IGN. - The IGN shall cover all branches, 
agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, including 
GOCCs.
SEC. 12. Interconnectivity and Interoperability of the IGN to Existing 
Government Networks. - All internal networks already established and maintained by 
any government agency, office, or instrumentality, including LGUs, shall upon the 
effectivity of this Act, enact measures to establish interconnection to and interoperability 
with the IGN.
SEC. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The
government shall establish, maintain, and support a records management system for 
the systematic, efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and public 
documents and records. All paper-based documents and records shall be digitized, 
migrated to, and managed through this system.


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The government shall also establish a framework to allow efficient interoperability 
among agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government 
when using electronic signatures, including processing of digital signatures.
SEC. 14. Internal Email Network. - The government shall establish and 
maintain an internal email and communications network to be known as "GovMail" for 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and 
other similar and related purposes. It shall be structured in a manner that ensures that 
the use and operation of such email network is accessible, safe, interactive, 
interconnected, and interoperable.
SEC. 15. Migration, Digitization, and Automation of Paper-Based Workflows.
- All paper-based government and bureaucratic workflows involving internal 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and 
other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as 
practicable, automated.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and 
sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be allowed 
to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be deemed 
appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency.
CHAPTER 3
THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION DATABASE
SEC. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil 
Registration System. - The government shall establish, maintain, and support an 
individual information database which shall act as a national repository and directory of 
information and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines or 
not; Provided, That such database shall, as far as practicable, be integrated with the 
database mandated under Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification 
System Act.
Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names, 
addresses, whether permanent or temporary, national identification numbers, dates and 
places of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and other 
associated information: Provided, that the acquisition and storage of data and 
information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and 
international laws and rules on privacy of data and information, including the provisions 
of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Such database shall also include information relating to foreign nationals who 
enters the Philippines.
SEC. 17. Access to and Use of the Database. - The database shall be 
accessible through digital platforms such as intranet and internet to all agencies, offices, 
and instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with legitimate and 
valid public purposes in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and such other 
applicable laws, rules and regulations.
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the 
database shall maintain a record of all the instances when, where, and how such


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agency, office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed 
any information or data stored on the database and the purpose/s of such access, 
including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining access to the said 
database.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant domestic 
and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
SEC.18. Automatic and Real Time Updating of Information. - The government 
shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the 
database shall automatically and in real time be updated across the entire government 
network, regardless of when and where the change in such data or information was first 
made or submitted, with the end view that an update made at any access point in the 
government network shall automatically be reflected and accessible across all access 
points in real time.
SEC. 19. Creation of Data Exchange Protocols. - The DICT shall establish a 
data exchange protocol between and among agencies and private sector which shall 
ensure legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with 
applicable domestic and international laws on data privacy.
CHAPTER 4
THE PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTORY
SEC. 20. Public Service Directory. - The government shall establish, maintain, 
and support a directory to be known as the “Philippine Public Service Directory” of all 
civil and public officials and servants throughout the country, including names, titles, 
telephone and facsimile numbers, departmental names, office locations, and e-mail 
addresses. Any changes to the information in the directory shall be reflected in real 
time.
SEC. 21. Access to and Use of the Directory. - The directory shall be 
accessible through digital or other platforms to the public consistent with civil service 
rules and regulations and the right of the public to information; Provided, That in all 
cases, such access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the directory 
shall be in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and 
information privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
CHAPTER 5
THE GOVERNMENT E-PORTALS
SEC. 22. Establishment of Online Public Service Portal for Individuals and 
Business. - In accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote 
an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to government 
information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall establish, maintain, 
and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens and 
legitimate businesses can request for information and assistance on government 
frontline services, service procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, 
complaints, and feedback.


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The online portal shall also serve as a centralized contact point where all 
communications from the public through such portal may be routed, logged, responded 
to, and ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for proper handling 
and resolution, and follow through if necessary.
SEC. 23. Access to and Use of the Online Public Service Portal. - The portal 
shall be accessible through digital platforms to the public for purposes consistent with 
the efficient delivery of public services; Provided, That in all cases, such access to and 
use of the resources, information, and data on the portal shall be in accordance with all 
relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent 
rules on confidentiality of government information.
SEC. 24. Government Frontline Services Through the Portal. - All government 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined 
under Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, as amended by 
Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government 
Service Delivery Act of 2018, shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that such 
services are accessible and capable of delivery to the public through the portal. All 
offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated to regularly 
undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement of their 
transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed necessary to 
maximize the use of the portal for efficiency and transparency.
SEC. 25. Access to Frontline Services. - The following process and procedures 
shall be adopted by all government offices and agencies that provide frontline services;
a) 
Acceptance of applications and request. All officers or employees shall accept 
written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by clients of the 
office or agency through the portal. The responsible officer or employee shall 
acknowledge receipt of such application and/or request by writing or printing 
clearly thereon, through the portal, his/her name, the unit where he/she is 
connected with, and the time and date of receipt. The receiving officer or 
employee shall perform a preliminary assessment of the request to promote a 
more expeditious action on requests.
b) 
Action of offices. All applications and/or requests submitted through the portal 
shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or employee during the period stated 
in the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than three (3) working days in the 
case of simple transactions and seven (7) working days in the case of complex 
transactions from the date the request or application was received. Depending on 
the nature of the frontline services requested or the mandate of the office or 
agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum time prescribed above may 
be extended. For the extension due to nature of frontline services or the mandate 
of the office or agency concerned the period for the delivery of frontline services 
shall be indicated in the Citizen's Charter. The office or agency concerned shall 
notify the requesting party in writing of the reason for the extension and the final 
date of release for the extension and the final date of release of the frontline 
service/s requested. No application or request shall be returned to the client 
without appropriate action. In case an application or request is disapproved, the 
officer or employee who rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to the 
client within five working days from the receipt of the request and/or application, 
stating therein the reason for the disapproval including a list of specific 
requirement/s which the client failed to submit.


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c) 
Denial of request for access to government service. Any denial of request for 
access to government service shall be fully explained in writing through the portal 
and/or via physical means, stating the name of the person making the denial and 
the grounds upon which such denial is based. Any denial of request is deemed to 
have been made with the permission or clearance from the highest authority 
having jurisdiction over the government office or agency concerned.
d) 
Access to progression of frontline service requests through the online 
portal. All offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through 
the portal the progress of all frontline service requests in real time.
e) 
Adoption of working schedules to serve clients through the online portal.
Heads of offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt 
appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients have requested for public 
services through the portal are attended to and served even during lunch break 
and after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent civil service rules 
and regulations.
f) 
Identification of public employees. All employees transacting with the public 
shall be provided with an official identification card which should be publicly 
accessible through the online portal. Government agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities mandated under this Act to provide and deliver public services 
through the portal shall not in any way require the person requesting for such 
public service to physically go and report to the physical office of such agency, 
office, or instrumentality where the purpose of such physical presence may be 
reasonably accomplished through the online portal.
SEC. 26. Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the online 
portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an internet- 
based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and businesses to remit 
payments through digital platforms to and from the government agencies to which such 
payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the services of and 
interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities, in accordance with 
applicable laws, rules and regulations.
SEC. 27. The Citizens’ Concerns Center. - There is hereby established a 
Citizens' Concerns Center (the “Center”), which shall serve as a mechanism where 
citizens may report their complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as 
defined under the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, as amended, and other relevant laws, 
and/ or corruption or misconduct on the part of any government agency, GOCC, 
government financial institution (GFI), and other instrumentalities of the government or 
any of its officers, officials, or employees. The Center shall be under the direction and 
supervision of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and 
representatives from the local government units.
SEC. 28. Integration with Existing Public Feedback Mechanisms. - All existing 
public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully 
integrated with the Center. For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives of 
this Act, the Center may enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the 
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SEC. 29. Integration with the Internal Government Network and Database. -
The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully 
integrated with the internal government network and database for real time updating of 
data and information.
SEC. 30. Minimum Operating Standards. - The Center, including its sub- 
operational units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:
a) 
Communications channels. The Center shall provide communications channels 
which shall include, but are not limited to, (i) telephone; (ii) short messaging 
services (SMS) or text messaging services; (iii) electronic mail (email); (iv) social 
media; or (v) such other emerging communications media which can reasonably 
be used to fulfill the purposes of the Center;
b) 
Operating hours. The Center shall operate, through any of its communications 
channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, including national 
holidays and days in which work is suspended for whatever reason, for which 
purpose the Center may establish effective measures to ensure continuity of 
service;
c) 
Process flow. A citizen's concern received through any of the communications 
channels shall immediately be encoded onto the Philippine Information Database 
and referred in real time to the concerned agency, office, or instrumentality for 
appropriate action through the internal government network. The complainant shall 
be given advice or feedback on the status of the concern until its resolution;
d) 
Period to take action. All complaints and/or concerns shall be acted upon within 
seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government agency or 
instrumentality, which action shall be communicated to the citizen concerned. For 
purposes of this provision, the period provided shall exclude such time outside the 
normal office hours of the agency or office concerned.
SEC. 31. Cooperation of Government Agencies and Local Government Units. 
- To ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the 
objectives of this Act, all national government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, 
GOCCs, GFIs, and LGUs are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the Office of 
the Cabinet Secretary and each other to ensure prompt action on the concerns received 
through the communications channels of the Center.
CHAPTER 6
THE PHILIPPINE CITIZEN CONNECT PROGRAM
SEC. 32. The Philippine Citizen Connect Program. - The government shall 
establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine Citizen Connect," to assist and help 
any citizen who does not have access to, or need help with using computers, the 
internet, and other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of public 
services from the government in their localities.
SEC. 33. Free Internet for the Public. - Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10929 or 
the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through the DICT, shall 
establish a program that will provide free access to internet service in public places, 
with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout the country, to
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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. 34. Provision and Maintenance of internet-Capable Devices in aii 
Barangay Centers and Corresponding Personnei. - All barangay centers shall 
provide and maintain internet-capable devices for the purpose of enabling efficient and 
timely access to government services, and corresponding personnel shall be hired 
and/or assigned to assist citizens in using such devices.
CHAPTER 7
GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARDS
SEC. 35. Government E-Builetin Board. - Each of the government agencies, 
offices, instrumentalities and LGUs covered under this Act shall establish and maintain 
a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of information sharing and 
dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to ensure accessibility and 
security.
SEC. 36. Oniine information Dissemination. - All government offices, agencies, 
instrumentalities and LGUs shall publish all information intended for public consumption 
via the traditional modes and through publication on their websites and e-bulletin 
boards.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, the publication 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with laws 
and rules requiring publication: Provided, That such website or e-bulletin board is 
accessible at such point in time where accessibility is claimed; Provided, further, That 
the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document, or information 
was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
SEC. 37. Minimum Standards for Government Websites and information 
Portals. - The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites and 
information portals:
a) 
It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to (i) description of the mission, 
statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency; and (ii) 
commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other common 
matters of public concern; and
b) 
It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and applicable 
portals for the delivery of public services.
CHAPTER 8
SECURITY AND PRIVACY
SEC. 38. Data and information Security. - All resources, information, or data 
stored on or transmitted through the IGN and all networks interconnected to and 
interoperable with it, the Philippine Information Database, the Public Service Directory, 
the portals, and websites shall be kept secure and free from interference or 
unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of the 
information and communication technology assets.
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Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance 
with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results in the compromise of 
the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shall incur 
criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws.
SEC. 39. Responsibility of the National and Local Governments. - All
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local governments under this 
Act shall be responsible for:
a) 
Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, 
disruption, modification, or destruction of information collected or maintained by or 
on behalf of the agency; and information systems used or operated by an agency 
or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of an agency;
b) 
Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such 
information and information systems and implementing the same;
c) 
Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and techniques to 
ensure that they are effectively implemented;
d) 
Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security and 
privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines, including 
information security standards promulgated by the DICT; and information security 
standards and guidelines for national security systems issued in accordance with 
law and as directed by the President; and
e) 
Ensuring that information security management processes are integrated with 
agency strategic and operational planning processes.
CHAPTER 9
PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR
SEC. 40. Government Cooperation with the Private Sector. - Nothing in this 
Act shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts, 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources, 
assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of 
this Act, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations on public accountability, 
transparency and good governance.
CHAPTER 10
THE PHILIPPINE INFOSTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
SEC. 41. The Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation. - For the 
purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT assets 
of the DICT, and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related to 
connectivity, data center and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a body
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corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC). 
The PIMC shall be an attached agency to the DICT, and shall exist for a period of fifty 
(50) years from the date of the approval of this Act. The PIMC shall be subject to the 
rules and regulations as the DICT may impose from time to time.
SEC. 42. Powers and Functions. - To carry out its main purpose and in 
accordance with applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall have, in addition to any and 
all powers granted to a corporation under the general corporation laws of the 
Philippines, the following functions and powers:
a)
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Plan and implement infrastructure programs, such as, but not limited to, the 
National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, and expansion of the National 
Government Data Centers and Government Cloud;
Manage ICT assets of the DICT;
Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by-laws;
Determine its operating policies, and to issue such rules and regulations as may 
be necessary to achieve its main purpose;
Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;
Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or otherwise 
dispose of the same;
Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local and 
foreign sources; Provided, That such loans shall be incurred only upon favorable 
recommendation of the DICT and upon approval by the President of the 
Philippines;
Hold, own, purchase, acquire, sell or otherwise invest, or reinvest in stocks, bonds 
or other securities capable of giving the PIMC a reasonably assured income 
sufficient to support its activities; and
i) Provide ICT counseling and technical services to government and private entities, 
on its own or by contracting third party consultants to render such service.
SEC. 43. Board of Trustees. - The corporate powers and functions of the PIMC 
shall be vested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees that shall be composed of the 
following:
a) 
The Secretary of the DICT, as ex officio Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
b) 
The Undersecretary of the DICT, as the ex officio Executive Vice Chairman;
c) 
The Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, or his/her 
duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member;
d) 
The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or his/her 
duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member;
e) 
The Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, or
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his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member;
f) 
One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information Technology 
and Business Process Outsourcing Industry, who shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines;
g) 
One (1) representative from the private sector from the Telecommunications 
Industry, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines; and
h) 
One (1) representative each from the League of Provinces of the Philippines, 
League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and 
Liga ng mga Barangay.
The representatives from the private sector shall be appointed only upon a 
favorable recommendation of the DICT and the Government Commission on GOCCs. 
They shall be persons of unquestionable integrity, probity, and intellect, at least thirty- 
five (35) years of age, possessed with demonstrated administrative skill and ability in 
the field of ICT, and with a minimum often (10) years of professional experience in the 
ICT sector.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PIMC shall execute and administer the 
policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, and 
direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. The CEO 
shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters 
which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Corporation specifically reserved to be 
done by the Board of Trustees.
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven (7) years. The 
Chairman shall have authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to 
time the organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to 
make the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of 
the Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with 
applicable laws, rules and regulations on compensation in the civil service.
The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman 
and one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the 
Board of Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of 
Trustees with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
SEC. 44. Authorized Capital Stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital 
stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million 
(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Pesos 
(PHP1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
Of the total capital subscribed by the government. One Billion Pesos 
(PHP1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the 
effectivity of this Act, and the remaining subscribed capital shall be paid in four (4) equal 
annual installments of One Billion Pesos (PHP1,000,000,000.00) each every year 
thereafter. The budget for the payment of such subscription price shall be appropriated 
in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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SEC. 45. Personnel; Cost of Administration. - The Board of Trustees shall 
provide for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry out 
the functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such officers 
and employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject to the 
rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall under the 
Salary Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to the Civil 
Service Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment, 
compensation, administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers and 
employees under a strict merit system with appropriate assessment system regarding 
knowledge and expertise on ICT-related matters.
The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall not in 
any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.
SEC. 46. Legal Counsel. - The Secretary of Justice shall be the ex-officio legal 
adviser of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC 
shall have its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be 
appointed by the Board of Trustees. The composition, budget and operating expenses 
of the Office of the Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses of its officers 
and employees shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and paid by the PIMC.
SEC. 47. Removal of members. -The President of the Philippines may, at any 
time, remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him/her for cause 
as recognized under existing laws, rules and regulations, and for any of the following 
causes:
a) 
Mismanagement, grave abuse of discretion, infidelity in the conduct of fiduciary 
relations, or gross neglect in the performance of duties;
b) 
Dishonesty, corruption, or any act involving moral turpitude; or
c) 
Any act or performance tending to prejudice or impair the substantial rights of the 
government and the corporation's stockholders.
The Chairman or member may, in any of the above cases, be civilly liable for any 
damage that may have been suffered by the corporation.
SEC. 48. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. - The PIMC shall be established 
and organized within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act.
CHAPTER 11 
THE ICT ACADEMY
SEC. 49. Establishment of the ICT Academy and its purposes. - The DICT shall 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy that shall 
have the following purposes:
a) 
To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development agenda 
through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development programs;
b) 
To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skills, for purposes of 
enhancing the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most relevant and updated 
data on local and international skills supply and demand;
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c) 
To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive an inclusive 
economic growth;
d) 
To promote, foster, and nurture the right of all citizens to quality education in ICT;
e) 
To lead the country in setting standards in the development of ICT curriculum and 
training;
f) 
To create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and institutions 
for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's resources, its ICT 
curriculum, modules, pedagogical approaches; and
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To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT skills and 
performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns.
The ICT Academy provided under this Act shall be integrated with the existing ICT 
Academy of the DICT or any similar unit therein in-charge of ICT training. The ICT 
Academy shall also coordinate with the Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority (TESDA) with regard to its course offerings in order to ensure cooperation and 
maximize the use of government resources.
SEC. 50. Satellite units. - The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in all 
regions. Satellite units shall also be established in other provinces or highly urbanized 
cities if, upon determination of the DICT, in coordination and consultation with the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and TESDA, it is found to be necessary to 
ensure broader access to quality ICT trainings and skills development.
SEC. 51. Access and Admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all 
citizens, regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, 
physical disability, and political opinion or affiliation. The DICT shall institute an 
admissions process to ensure that citizens shall have equal access to ICT education.
SEC. 52. Finances. - The Academy's operations shall be financially supported by 
appropriations under the General Appropriations Act, all reasonable fees and dues 
collected, and all donations made to the Academy.
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the 
benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers; for the acquisition, construction, 
and maintenance needs of the Academy, and the proper administration of its programs 
and the attainment of the purposes of the Academy; Provided, That such retention and 
disbursement shall be subjected to applicable laws and rules on government audit and 
accountability.
Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in trust by 
a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no case be 
impaired and shall be used only for the purposes for which they were donated.
SEC. 53. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different 
educational institutions and private entities for the purpose of achieving the goals of the 
Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and training 
development, faculty exchange, standard development, trainings collaboration, and
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other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the Academy shall be in 
accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and shall not require the 
disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.
CHAPTER 12
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 54. Transitory provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act, 
the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and instrumentalities, as 
well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and 
implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of 
services in the digital age.
For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have completed 
the transition in accordance with the provisions of this Act, all government activities 
covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner provided for under existing 
laws, rules and regulations.
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years from 
effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 55. Regular Status Reports. - All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of 
the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the Congress, 
the President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of implementation of this 
Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available on and through the e- 
portals. The consolidated report shall be submitted to the President and the Congress 
of the Philippines on or before June 30 of each year.
SEC. 56. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged against the 
current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or instrumentality 
concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued implementation 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The amount necessary to implement this Act in the local government level shall be 
charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
SEC. 57. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the DICT, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the national and local governments, and upon consultation with 
other stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to properly 
and efficiently implement this Act.
SEC. 59. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining 
provisions of this Act.
SEC. 60. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters 
of instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.
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SEC. 61. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of 
general circulation.
Approved
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