Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LORDAN G. SUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The traditional system of public governance has evolved in our digital age. We 
have seen its transformation over the years as developed countries shifted from e-
government to e-governance going all the way to becoming e-societies.  On one hand, 
most developing countries are still grappling with the use of information and 
communications technology in their government transactions. 
The Philippines may not be at the hindmost part of this digital race but we have 
not fully optimized these technologies in our government system. ICT is a powerful tool 
in transforming the way we run our bureaucracy and the most efficient way of 
delivering the needed services to our people. It may even lessen our problem on 
corruption because when we e-transact we are limiting human intervention in financial 
transactions. E-governance will enhance the operational efficiency of the government 
and increase the productivity of civil servants. It will also give us real and accurate 
information which will guide our policy-makers to come up with right decisions and 
appropriate actions.  
This Bill seeks to institutionalize our government’s efforts towards e-governance 
in order to integrate all e-governance initiatives of the different agencies of government, 
fast-track the transition, improve intra-government coordination, increase people’s 
participation in governance and cultivate a productive partnership between the 
government and the private sector. At the same time, this Bill ensures that information 
and data obtained and transmitted through the digital network will be secured in 
accordance with the relevant laws on data privacy and confidentiality of government 
information.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. LORDAN G. SUAN 
      1st District 
 Cagayan de Oro City 
February 2, 2023
2:58 pm
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     Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LORDAN G. SUAN 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “E-Governance Act of 
2023”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the state to 
promote science and technology as essential tools for national development and 
progress. It also recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-
building. 
Towards this end, the state shall provide the necessary structure, mechanisms, and fund 
to transition its governmental processes, transactions, services, system, culture, and 
relationships to e-governance through information and communications technology. 
SECTION 3. Purpose: This Act shall have the following purposes: 
a.
Transform government systems and processes through optimal
application of information and communication technology
b. Provide seamless intra-government, government to citizens, and
government-to business interactions
c.
Improve operational productivity in the government
d. Provide quality, efficient, and effective government service to the citizens
e.
Produce accurate and real-time information for citizens and policymakers
f.
Streamline operations and reduce wastage of government resources
g.
Broaden citizen’s interaction and participation in government programs
and services
h. Ensure government transparency and accountability to the people
SECTION 4. Coverage. This Act shall apply to all government branches, agencies, 
units, and instrumentalities, including local government units, and government-owned 
and controlled corporations. 
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SECTION 5. Role of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT). The Department of Information and Communications Technology 
shall be the primary implementing agency of this Act. It shall formulate and implement 
policies, standards and measures for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 6. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. There shall be 
established an Integrated Government Network under the supervision of the DICT for 
the purpose of communication, and sharing of information and data among government 
branches, agencies, units, and instrumentalities, including local government units and 
government-owned and controlled corporations. It shall be the government’s primary 
information management tool and communication network.  
SECTION 7. Migration, Digitization, and Automation of Paper-based Workflows. 
All paper-based government workflows involving internal communications, information 
dissemination, coordination, feedback, and other documents shall be migrated, 
digitized, and, as far as practicable, automated.  
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, critical and sensitive documents as 
determined by the head of the agency shall remain handled in their traditional and non-
digital means.  
SECTION 8. Establishment of E-Portal for Citizens and Businesses. There shall be 
established an E-Portal, under the management of the DICT, for the purpose of request 
for information, assistance, inquiry, complaints, and feedback. All communications 
received through E-Portal shall be logged, routed, responded to, and distributed to 
concerned agencies for appropriate action. 
SECTION 9. Establishment of Government Online Payment System.  There shall be 
established an e-payment system in all government branches, agencies, units and 
instrumentalities, including local government units and government-owned and 
controlled corporations, for efficient and seamless financial transactions.  
SECTION 10. The Government Websites.  All government branches, agencies, 
units and instrumentalities, including local government units and government-owned 
and controlled corporations shall establish and maintain a regularly updated and 
mobile-friendly website for the purpose of sharing and disseminating information, 
providing updates and soliciting feedback from the public. 
SECTION 11. Data and Information Security. All information or data stored or 
transmitted through the Integrated Government Network, E-Portal and websites shall 
be kept secure and free from unauthorized access that may compromise the integrity of 
the information and communication assets. 
Access to and use of information or data from the Integrated Government Network, E-
Portal and websites shall be limited to the government and its duly authorized officers 
or personnel in accordance with relevant laws on data privacy and confidentiality of 
government information. 
SECTION 
12. 
Annual 
Report. 
The 
Department 
of 
Information 
and 
Communications Technology shall submit to Congress the annual status report on the 
implementation of this Act.  
SECTION 
13. 
Appropriations. 
The 
amount 
necessary 
for 
the 
initial 
implementation of this Act shall be taken from the current budget of the government 


branch, agency, unit, instrumentality,  and local government unit concerned. Thereafter, 
the amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in 
the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of 
Information and Communications Technology in coordination with relevant branches, 
agencies, units and instrumentalities of the national and local governments shall 
formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this 
Act, within ninety (90) days from the date of its effectivity. 
SECTION 15. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, the provisions not hereby affected shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof, inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are repealed, 
amended or modified, accordingly. 
SECTION 17. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date 
of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,