EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
Third Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries, including government offices, to find
new and safe ways to deal with the public. Many innovations have been introduced in a span
of one year to make transactions safer for the people.
As more establishments have opened their doors once again, the threat continues to be
present and ever-growing until such time we have found a permanent solution to end the
deadly virus. In the meantime, we must continuously find means to lessen the risk of
transmission.
The duty of the people to pay taxes, fees, and other charges to the Government and its
instrumentalities remain. To do this, people would go to government offices, which are often
cramped and improperly-ventilated. Health protocols are admittedly not followed at all times,
because of restrictions in physical space and facilities. The transmission of the virus becomes
highly likely in these situations. It therefore becomes incumbent upon the State to afford them
the protection that they need while they fulfill this duty.
One proven measure to lessen the risks and curb the spread of COVID-19 is by limiting
face-to-face transactions.
It is the intent of this bill to reduce face-to-face government
transactions by mandating government agencies to offer an alternative means for the public to
pay their dues, such as online payment, bank transfer, e-money, and other widely available
payment channels.
For the foregoing reasons, the immediate passage of this bill is most urgently sought. 
HON. VIRGILIO S. LACSON
Manila Teachers Party-list
July 6, 2021
10:21 am
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
)
Third Regular Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON
AN ACT MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN ALL
PUBLIC OFFICES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled: 
SECTION 1.
Short Title. - This Act shall be referred to as the “Alternative Payment Systems
Act.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that
will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty
through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising
standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
Towards this end, the State shall implement policies which shall encourage its citizens to duly
pay their obligations to the government by offering safe, convenient and practical ways to do
so. 
SEC. 3. Development of the Alternative Payment System. - The Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT) shall develop an electronic payment system which shall be
readily available for use by all government agencies and instrumentalities. The payment system
shall be accessible to all Filipinos and may be used by them for all official transactions made
with the government. 
SEC. 4. Security Assurance. - The DICT shall assure that the Alternative Payment System is safe
and secure. The payment system shall include, but is not limited to, the use of debit cards, credit
cards, online banking, e-money, and mobile wallets. Partnerships with reputable banks and
financial institutions regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is encouraged. 
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Any data collected, processed, stored in connection with the implementation and execution of the
provisions of this Act shall enjoy the protection provided under the Republic Act 10173 or the Data
Privacy Act.
SEC. 5. Mandatory Issuance of Electronic Receipts. - Every payment made using the electronic
payment system shall be issued with a corresponding electronic receipt which shall be sent to
the customer via electronic mail. 
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this
Act, the DICT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the
provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional,
the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and
subsisting. 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SEC 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,