Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRHSHNTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
'`   ,1  ,,  a
HOUSE BILL NO. 6882
Introduced by Representative Eduardo Roa Rama Jr.
EXPLANATORY NOTH
As  the  world  continues  to  modemize,  the  need  to  undergo  a  dialtal  transformation  is  a
necessity, in order to create a in()re efficient, transparent, and cost-effective delivery of basic services.
To  build  for the  futui.e, the Philippine government must embrace this  opportunity to innovate  by
institutionalizing  the   transition   of  the   government  to   e-Governance   in   the   digital   age.   This
transformation is fundamental and timely as the recent pandemic forced government progi-ams and
services  to  shut down or significantly slow  d()wn, which revealed the need  to  execute a new polic}r
direction t.hat is more responsive to the needs and expectations of citizens in an ever~changring world.
Ultimately, this bill  seeks to:  (1)  establish zin integrated and interc()nnected res()urce  sharing
and communications network, (2) promote the use of the intemct and emcralng tcchaologies within
and across government agencies, and (3)  provide enhanced access  to government information and
services in a manner consistent with laws. This measure will enable the administration to provide fast,
transparent> and efficient services; therefore, improving the quality t)f civic experiences of the Filipino
people. The passage of this bill gua,rantees improved access to government services, and strengthens
the principal mandate of addressing the critical needs of the Filipino people.
In view of the foregc>ing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
EDUARDO ROA RAMA ]R.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRHSENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINHTEENTH CONGRH SS
First Regular Session
HousL`:|'LiNo.6882
Introduced by Representative Eduardo Roa Rama Jr.
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be if eria[ted ky fl)e  I enate  and fl)e HoitJe  o`f RapreseutatiiJes a.i ll)e Philififiines in Cong!re'$5 assembled:
1                      Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "F,-Governance Act of2022".
2                     Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. -It is hereby declared the policy of the state to recognize
3       the vital role of communication and information in nation-building and the necessity ofhamessing
4       the power of information and communications technology in pursuit of national development and
5       prt>grcss. The state hereby adt>pts a policy to create, foster, and sustain a didrtally empowered and
6       integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services
7       for a globally competitive Filipino nation.
8                      In pursuit of this pohcy, this Act shall have the following purposes:
9                     a.   Provide effective leadership of grovernment efforts to develop and promote electronic
10                           government  services  and  processes  by  providing  guidance  to  the  I)epartment  of
11                            Information and communications Technology in accordance with its m`andate;
12                     b.  Promote  use  of the  internet,  intranet,  and  other  information  and  communications
13                          technolories to provide increased oppoftunities for citizen participation in government;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
c.   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 proce`sses, where  this  collaboration
would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes;
d.  Improve  the  abihty  of  the  government  to  achieve  agency  missions  and  program
performance goals;
e.   Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emeralng technoloales within and across
govei-nment agencies to provide citizen-centric government information and services;
f.   Reduce costs arid burdens for businesses and other government entities;
9.  Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers, taking into
consideration data analytics results;
h.  Promote access  to  high quality government information  and services  across multiple
channels;
i.   JMake the national and local governments more transparent ancl accountable;
i.   Transform agency operations by uthizing, where appropriate, best practices from public
and private sector organizations, both local and international; and
k.  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.
20                     Sec. 3. Coverage. -'Ihis Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies iflcluding
21       local government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations.
22                     Sec.  4.  Definition  of terms.  -As  used in  this  Act,  the  following terms  are  defined  as
23        follows :
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
a.    "E-Governance" -refers to 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,  resp()nsive,  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  entexprise  network that  shares  data  or
application resources via Internet Protocol; and
2


1                      d.    "Internet"  -  refers  to  a  secure  and  public  enterprise  network  that  shares  data  or
2                             application resources via Internet protocol.
3                     e.    "ICT   assets"   -   refers   any   data,   device,   equipment,   infrastructure,   system,   or
4
5
6
7f.
8
9
10
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in accordance with
its  mandate,  utilized  to  ensure  or  support  the  proper  and  efficient  operation  and
implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of ICT services.
"ICT  plan"  -  refers  to  the  sum  or  set  of goals,  measures,  strateales,  agenda,  and
programs  for  the  implemcntation  of  ICT  programs  and  projects  and  the  use  of
information  and  communications  technology, including didtal platforms,  to  deliver
public services or otherwise perform governmental functions.
Chapter 1
Role of the Government
13                    Sec.  5.  Responsibilities of the heads of government agencies.  -The head of each
14       agency, office, and instrumentalty of the national and local government shall be responsible for:
15                      a.    Comr)lying with the requirements of this Act, including related standards  ft>r all lcT
16                             infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other technology, which  shall bc
17                            promulgated by the Department of Information and communications Technology;
18                     b.    Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resihency, privacy, and
19                            confidentiality, which  shall also be promulgated by the Department of Information
20                            and communications Techn()logy;
21                      c.    Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the I)epartmcnt
22                            of Information  and  Communications  Technology  are  communicated  promptly  and
23                             effectively to all relevant officials within their agency; and
24                     d.    Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop, maintain, and
25                            promote  an  integrated  Internet-based  system  of  delivering  Federal  Govemmcnt
26                            information and services to the public.
27                      To these ends:
28                      a.    Agencies   shall  develop  performance   measures   that   demonstrate  how  electronic
29                            government enables progress toward agency objectives, stratedc goals, and statutory
3 0                             mandates;
31                      b.    In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections to the extent
32                             practicable. Areas ofperformaiice measurement that agencies should include customer
3


service;  agency  productivity;  and  adoption  of innovative  information  technology,
including the appropriate use of commercial best practices;
3                      c.    Agencies shall link their performance goals, as  appropriate, to key groups, including
4                             citizens, businesses, and other governments;
5                      d.    As appropriate, agencies shah work collectively in linking their performance goals to
6                            key groups and shall use information technology in delivering government information
7                             and services to those groups
8                   Sec. 6. Role of the Department of Information and communications Technology
9       (DICT).  -The Depactment of lnft)rmation and communicati()ns Technology q)IC1)  shall, in
10       addition to its mandates and functions under Republic Act No.10844:
11                      a.    Harmonize and coordinate all national lcT plans and initiatives to ensure knowledge,
12                            information and resource-sharing, database-building, and agency networking linkages
13                            among government agencies, consistent with E-Government objectives in particular,
14                              and national objectives in general;
15                     b.    Ensure the development and protection of integrated government IcT infrastfucturcs
16                            and  designs,  taking into  consideration  the  Inventory  of existing manpower,  plans,
17                             programs, software, hardware, and installed systems;
18                      c.    Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the development of
19                             guidelines  in  the  enforcement  and  administration  of  laws,  standards,  rules,  and
20                            regulations governing IcT;
21                      d.    Assess, initiate, review and support IcT research and development programs  of the
22
23e.
24
25
26
27
govcmment; and
Prescribe, in  accordance with  applicable  civil  service  laws  and ndes,  the  creation of
ICT-related government positions and corresponding compensation rates aligned with
the personnel needs of a dialtalized government, as well as the qualifications, standards,
duties,   and   functions   essential  to   the   effective   development   and   operation   of
govemmcnt ICT infrastructures and systems
28                    Sec.  7.  DICT  to  act  as  the  primary implementing  body.  -The DICT  shall be  the
29       primary  implementing  body  and  principal  administrator  of  this  Act.  All  ICT  projects  in  the
30       Phhippines  shall be done in accordance with  the National ICT Development Agenda.  For this
31        purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies under this Act and ensure that
32       all lcT projects in the philippines, whether national or local, are harmonized with the overall TCT
4


1        plans and in compliance with apphcable standards. Accordingly, the DICT shah be responsible for
2       thefollowing:
3a.
4
5b.
6
7
8c.
9
10d.
in
12
13
14e.
15
16
Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and adoption of
technoloales consistent with the goals of this Act;
Ensuring the quahiy, security, reliability, and interopefability of all 1CT infrastructure
and  services  in  accordance with  international or industrial  standards,  specifications,
and best practices;
Tapping into the private sector and entering into partnerships  and joint ventures in
accordance with the goals of this Act;
Mandate   and   supervise   the   adoption   of  policies   and   processes   to   ensure   the
implementation   of   this    Act;   M`andate   and   supervise    the   interconnection   or
interoperabihty of IcT infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary to achieve
the goals of this Act; and
Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and facilities, and
in the exercise of such functions, in accordance with applicable laws and rules, charge
reasonable administrative and operational fees as may be necessary.
17                    See. 8. The DICT-Project Management office. -Within one year from the effectivity
18       of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide project Management office, which shall
19       cater to  and address to the portfolio, program, and project management needs of government
20       agencies, with the end goal of ensuring that IcT projects across the government are managed with
21        cfficiency  and  aority  following international  best  practices  and  standards,  to  deliver  successful
22       projects, with  the goal  of delivering lasting benefits  and value  through  new or enhanced  ICT
23        services.
24                     The  DICT  shall  provide  guidelines  on  the  operation  of  the  PMO   and  as  to  the
25       qualifications  of personnel  under the  PMO, who  shall, at  the  miflimum  obtain  internationally
26       recognized  certifications  and  a  required  number  of units  on  Project  Management,  I'rogram
27       Management,  IT  Service  Management  ITIL,  The  Open  Group  Enterprise  Architecture,  Risk
28       Management, and other similar fields or specializations. For this purpose, the IcT Academy shall
29       ensure  that courses, multimodal training, and certifications to develop this human resource  are
30       regularly offered.
5


1                      Sec.  9.  Inclusivity.  -In accordance with  the  provisions  of this  Act on the  Philippine
2       Citizen connect program, when promulgating pohcies and implementing programs regarding the
3       provision  of government  information  and  services  over  the  internet  and  other  platforms  or
4       channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on persons without access to such platforms or
5       channels,  and   shad,   to   the  extent  practicable,  ensure   that  the   avalabdity  of  government
6       information and services has not been or win not be diminished for individuals and entities wh(`
7       lack  access  to  the  internet;  and  pursue  alternate  modes  of  delivery  that  make  government
8       information and services more accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access
9       to the internet or other platforms and channels.
10                                                                                   Chapter 2
11                                                      The Integrated Government Network
12                    Sec.10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network.  -The DICT shall
13       establish  an  integrated,  interconnected,  and  interoperable  internal government  network,  to  be
14       known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act as the primary means for
15       the sharing and communication of resources, information, and  data through and on digrital and
16       electronic platforms  across  all of the government.  The  IGN  shall also  act  as  the govemment's
17       primary and focal imf()rmation management tool and communications network.
18                     Sec.11. Scope and coverage of the IGN -The IGN shall cover all branches, agencies,
19       instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, including government-owned
20       and controlled corporations.
21                    Sec.12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing government
22       network§. -All internal networks already established and maintained by any govcmment agency,
23       office, or instrunentality, including local governments, shall upon the effcctivity of this Act, enact
24       measures to estabhsh interconnection to and interoperability with the IGN.
25                    Sec.13. Internal Records Management Information system. -The government shall
26       estabhsh, maintain, and  support a records management system for the systematic, efficient, and
27       cost-effective management of all government and public documents `and records. All paper-based
28       documents and records shall be dialtized, migrated to, and managed through this system.
6


1                      The  government  shall  establish  a  framework  to  allow  efficient  interoperability  among
2       agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government when using electronic
3       signatures, including processing of dialtal signatures.
4                     See.14.  Internal  Email  Network.  -The  government  shall  establish  and  maintain  an
5       internal email and communications network, to be known  as  "GovMal,"for internal and intra-
6       government communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and
7       other similar and related purposes. It shall be stmctured in a manner that ensures that the use and
8       operation  of  such   emal  network  shall  be   accessible,  safe,  interactive,  interconnected,  and
9       Interoperable.
10                    Sec.15.  Migration, digitization,  and  automation of paper-based workflows.  -All
11        paper-based   government   and   bureaucratic   work flows   involving   internal   communications,
12       information  dissemination  and  sharing,  co()rdination,  feedback,  and  other  similar  and  related
13       purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as practicable, automated.
14                     Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information di`ssemination
15       and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and sensitive information as may
16       be determined by the head of the agency shall be allowed to be conducted through traditional and
17       non-digital means as may be deemed appropriate for the purr>ose by the head of the agency.
18                                                                                     Chapter 3
19                                                      The philippine Information Database
20                    Sec.16.  The  Philippine  Individual  Information Database  and Civil  Registration
21        System.  -  The  government  shall  establish,  maintain,  and  suppt)rt  an  Individual  information
22       database which shall act as a national repository and directory of information and data on citizens
23       of the phihppines, whether residing in the philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enter the
24       Phhippines through legal channels.
25                      Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names, adclresses, whether
26       permanent or temporary, national Identification numbers, dates and places of birth, citizenship,
27       civil status, biometric data and information, and other associated information: provided, that the
28       acquisition and storage of data and information on the database shall not in any way violate any
29       applicable domestic and international laws and rules on privacy of data and information.
7


1                     See.17. Access to and use of the database. -The database shan be accessible, through
2       didrtal platforms such as intranet and Internet, to all agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the
3       government for purposes consistent with lealtimate and valid public purposes, subject to the Data
4       PrivacyAct QepublicAct 10173).
5                      All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with  access  to  the database  shall
6       maintain a record ofall the instances when, where, and how such agency, office, or instrumentality,
7       or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed any information or data stored on the database
8       and the purposes of such access, including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining
9        access to the said database.
10                      Notwithstanding  the   provisions   of  this   Act,   access   to   and   use   of  the   resources,
11        information,  and  data  on  the  database  shall  be  in  accordance  with  all  relevant  domestic  and
12       international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules
13       on confidentiality ofgovemment information.
14                    Sec.   18.   Integration  with  the  Philippine  Identification  System.  -  The  current
15       Phhippine  Identification  System, including its  existing and planned  mechanisms  for collecting,
16       storing,  and  accessing  data  and  information,  sham  be  fully  integrated  with  the  database,  in
17       accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
18                    Sec.19. Automatic and real time updating of information.  -The government shall
19       establish   and  maintain   measures   to   ensure   that  information   stored   on   the  database   shall
20       automatically and in real time be updated across  the  entire government network, regardless  of
21       when and where the change in such data or information was fist made or submitted, with the end
22       view that an update made at any access point in the government network shall automatically bc
23       reflected and accessible across all access points in real time.
24                    Sec.  20.  Creation  of data  exchange  protocols.  -The  DICT  shall  establish  a  data
25       exchange  pr()tocol  between  and  among  agencies  and  the  private  sector  which  shall  ensure
26       lealtimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with applicable domestic and
27       international laws on data privacy.
Chapter 4
The Public Service Directory
8


1                     Sec. 21. The public service Directory. -The government shall establish, maintain, and
2       support a directory, to be known as the "Philippine public service Directory," of all civil and pubhc
3       officials  and  servants  throughout  the  country, including names, titles,  telephone  and  facsinile
4       numbers,  departmental  names,  office  locations,  and  e-mail   addresses.   Any  changes  to   the
5       informati(>n stored on and accessed through the directory shall be reflected in real time.
6                     Sec. 22. Access to and use of the directory. -The directory sham be accessible, through
7       dialtal platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of the philippines and foreign nationals
8       who have entered the philippines through lealtimate channels for legitimate and valid purposes
9       consistent with civil service niles and the right of the public to information.
10                      Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
11       information, and data on the directory shall be in  accordance with al relevant laws, rules, and
12       regulations  on  data  and  information  privacy  and  the  pertinent  rules   on  confidentiality   of
13       government information.
14                    See. 23. Establishment of online public service portal for individuals and business.
15       -]n accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote an integrated intemet-
16       based  system  of providing the  public with  access  to government information  and  services, the
17       government, through the I)ICT, shall estabhsh, maintain, and continuously update a portal which
18       shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens can request for information and assistance on government
19       frontline services, service procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints, and
20        feedback.
21                       The t>nline portal shall also  serve as centralized contact point where all communications
22       from  the  public  through  such  portal  may  be  routed,  logged,  responded  to,  and  ultimately
23       distributed to the different government agencies for proper handling and resolution, and follow
24       throughifnecessary.
25                    Sec. 24. Access to and use of the online public service porta! -The portal shall be
26       accessible, through dialtal platforms such as the intranet and internet, to citizens of the philippines,
27       foreign nati()nals who have entered the  Philippines through  legitimate channels, and businesscs
28       organized  and  e.risting or operating  under the  laws  and  niles  of the  Philippine`s  for purposes
29       consistent with the efficient dehvery ofpublic services.
30                      Notwithst`anding  the   provisions   of  this   Act,   access   to   and   use   of  the   resources,
31        information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and
9


1       regulations  on  data  and  information  privacy  and  the  pertinent  rules  on  confidentiahty  of
2       government information.
3                    Sec. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. -Au government agencies,
4       t)ffices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defroed under Repubhc Act No.
5       9485, as amended, shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that such services are accessible
6       and capable ofdclivery to the public through the portal.
7                     Au offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated to regularly
8       undertake  time  and  motion  studies,  undergo  evaluation  and  improvement  of their transaction
9       systems and procedures and re-en!±neer the same if deemed necessary to maximize the use of the
10       portal for efficiency and transparency
11                      Sec. 26. Access to frontline services. -The following shall be adopted by an government
12       offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:
13a.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Acceptance of applications and request -All officers or employees shah accept written
applications, requests, and/of docuinents being submitted by clients of the office or
agencies through the portal.
The responsible officer or empl(>yee 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 ()fficer or employee  shall perfonli a preliminary assessment of the
request so as to promote a more expeditious action on requests.
21                      b.    Action of offices. -All applications and/or requests submitted through the portal shall
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
be  acted  upon  by the  assigned officer or employee  during the period  stated in  the
Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than five working days in the case of simple
transactions and ten  (10) 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 circumst`ances,
the maximum time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due to nature
of fr()ntline services or the mandate of the office or agency concerned the period for
the deh`rery of frontline services shall be indicated in the Citizcn's Charter. The office
or agency concemcd shall notify the requesting party in writing of the reason for the
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
iE
12
13
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
extension and the final date of release for the extension and the fmal date of release of
the fronthae service/s requested.
No application or request shall be returned to the client without appropriate action.
In case an application or request is clisapproved, 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/of application, stating therein the reason for the disapproval
including a list of specific requirement/s which the client failed to submit.
c.    Denial of request for access to government service. -Any denial of request for access
to government service shall be fully explained in writing and through the portal, stating
the name of the persofl 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  shad make accessible through the portal the
progress of au 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 fronthae 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.
f.      Identification of public employees. -AIl employees  transacting with the public shall
be  provided  with  an  of.ficial  identification  card  which  should  be  publicly  accessible
through the online portal.
Government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities mandated under this Act to
provide and deliver pubhc services through the poctal 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.
iE


1                    Sec. 27. The Government online payment system. -In conjunction with the online
2       portals  for  the  delivery  of public  services,  the  government  shall  establish  an  internet-based
3       electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and businesses to remit payments through
4       dialtal platforms to the govemmcnt agencies to which such payments are due. For this purpose,
5       the government may engage the  services  of and intercormect with public and private payment
6       systems and facilities, in accordance with apphcable laws and mles.
7                     Sec.  28.  The  Citizens'  Concerns  Center.  There  is  hereby  established  a  Citizens'
8       Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their complaints,
9       grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic Act No. 9485 and other
10       relevant   laws,   and/or  corruption   of  misconduct   on   the  part   of  any  government   agency,
11       government-owned   or   controned   corporation,  government   financial   institution,   and   other
12       instrumentalities of the government or any of its officers, officials, or employees.
13                     The  Center  shall be  under the  direction  and  supervision  of the  Office  of the  Cabinet
14       Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local government units.
15                    See.  30.  Integration with  the  internal government network and  database.  -The
16       Center, including its  sub-operations  units,  and  its  operations  sham  be  fully integrated with  the
17       internal government network and database for real time updating of data and information.
18                     Sec.  31.  Minimum  operating  standards.  -The  Center, including its  sub-operational
19       units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:
20                      a.    Communications  channels.  -  The  Center  shall  provide  communications  channels
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28b.
29
30
31
which include but zire not limited to the following:
1.  Telephone;
2.   Shoft message service (SMS) or text message service;
3.   I+:lectronic mad (emal);
4.   Social media; or
5.  Other emeralng communications media which can reasonably be used to fulfill
the purposes of the Center.
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 and hire the necessary personnel;
12


1                      c.    I'rocess  flow.  -A  citizen's  concern  received  through  any  of the  communications
2
3
4
5
6
7d.
8
9
10
il
channels shah immediately be encoded onto the Philippine Information Database and
referred,  directly  or  indirectly,  in  real  time,  to  the  concerned  agency,  ()ffice,  or
instrumenta]ity for appropriate action through the internal government network. The
complainant  sham be alven  advice or feedback on  the  status  of the concern  until its
resolution;
Period to take action. - A citizen's concern lodged and received through any of the
communication channels shall have a c()ncrete and specific action within seventy-two
(72)  hours  from  receipt  by  the  proper government  agency  or instrumentality.  F`or
purposes  of this provision, the period provided  shall exclude  such  time outside the
normal office hours of the agency or office concerned.
12                    See.  32.  Cooperation  of government  agencies  and  local  government  units.  -To
13       ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the objectives of
14       this Act, all national government agencies, offices, and instrurnentalities, government-owned and
15       controlled coxporations, government financial institutions, as well as the local government units,
16       are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the office of the cabinet secretary and each other
17       to ensure prompt action on the concerns received through the communications channels ()f the
18        Center.
Chapter 6
The Philippine Citizenconnect Program
21                     Sec. 33. The philippine citizenconnect program. -The government shall establish a
22       program, to be known as the "Philippine Citizenconnect," to assist and help the public to who
23       does  not have access  to, or need help with  using computers, the internet, and other analogous
24       means to transact with and request the delivery of public services from the government in their
25        localities.
26                     Sec.  34.  Free  access to  the internet for the public.  -Pursuant to  Repubhc Act No.
27       10929 or the I-l`ree lntemct Access in public places Act, the government, through the DICT, shall
28       establish a pr()gram that will provide free access to internet service in public places, with particular
29       focus on unserved or undefserved areas, throughout the country, to  enable access to the ()nline
30       portals, promote knowledge-building among citizens, and enable them to participate and compete
31        in the evolving information and communication age.
13


1                    See.  35.  Provision  and  maintenance  ofintemet-capable  devices  in  all  barangay
2       centers. -An barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain internet-capable devices
3       such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the purpose of enabling efficient and timely
4       access to government services.
5                    Sec. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. -Au barangay centers shall ensure
6       that there will be g()vemment staff present to help the public access the government portal and
7       perform online transactions with government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities.
8                                                                                  Chapter 7
9                                          The Government websites and E-Bulletin Boards
10                     Sec.  37.  The  Government  E-Bulletin  Board.  -The government and  au its  agencies,
11        offices,  and  instrumentalities,  including local governments,  shall  each  establish  and  maintain  a
12       website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of information sharing and dissemination, which
13       shall be structured and maintained to ensure accessibility and security.
14                    Sec. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. -Au government
15       offices,  agencies,  and instrumentalities which  are  mandated  by  the  laws  or  rules  to  publish  or
16       otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information intended for pubhc consumpti()n
17       and  information  shall,  in  addition  to  the  traditional  modes   therefor,  publish  such  notices,
18       documents, or other information on the website and e-bulletin board.
19                     Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication of notices,
20       documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board shall be construed as
21        sufficient notice to the pubhc for purposes ofcompliance with laws and rules requiringpublication;
22       Pro/v.Jcd, that such website or e-bulletin board is accessible at such point in time where accessibility
23       is claimed. F'or purposes of this provision, the start of publication sham be the date on which the
24       notice, document, or information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
25                    See. 39. Minimum standards for government website§ and information portals.15
26       -The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites and information p()rtals:
27                      a.    It  shall  include  direct  and  easily identifiable  links  to  (i)  description  of the  mission,
28                            statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency; and (ii) commonly
29                            asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other common matters of public
30                            concern; and
14


1                      b.    It shat include drect and easily identifiable links to the relevant and applicable portals
2                             for the delivery of public services.
3                                                                                Chapter 8
4                                                                     Security and privacy
5                     Sec. 40. I)ata and Information security-All resources, information, or data stored on
6       or transmitted through the lGN and all networks interconnectcd to and 31 interoperable with it,
7       the Phhippine Information Database, the Public Service Directory, 32 the portals, and websites
8       shall  be  kept  secure  and  free  from  interference  or  unauthorized  access  that  can  hamper  or
9       otherwise compromise the integrity of the information and communication technology assets.
10                     Access to and use of the fesoui-ces, information, and data on the lGN shall be limited to
11        the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance with all relevant laws,
12       rules, and regulations on dat'a and information privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of
13       government informati()n.
14                     Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise of the
15       security and integrity of the lGN and all networks interconnected to and interoperable with it to
16       the detinent of the government and the pubhc shall incur criminal liabhity in accordance with the
17       provisions ofapplicable and/or relevant penal laws.
18                    Sec. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government -All agencies, offices,
19       and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act shall be responsible for:
20                     a,    Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and magnitude
21                             of   the   harm   resulting   from   unauthorized   access,   use,   disclosure,   disruption,
22                            modification, or destruction of information collected or maintained by or on behalf of
23                             the agency; and information systems used or operated by an agency or by a contractor
24                            of an agency or other organization on behalf of an agency;
25                     b.    Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such information
26                            and information systems and implementing the same;
27                     c.    Periodically  testing and  evaluating information  security  controls  and  techniques  to
28                             ensure that they are effectively implemented;
29                     d.    Complying  with  the  requirements  of pertinent  laws  on  information  security  and
30                             privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidehnes, including information
31                             security    standards    promulgated    by    the    Department    of    Information    and
15


1
2
3
4e.
5
Communications Technology; and information security standards and guidelines for
national  security  systems  issued  in  accordance  with  law  and  as  directed  by  the
President; and
Ensuring that information security management processes are integrated with agency
stratealc and operational planning processes.
Chapter 9
Participation of the Private Sector
8                     Sec. 42. Government cooperation with the private sector. ~ Nothing in this Act shall
9       prevent the government, both national  and local, from  entering into  contracts, agreements, or
10       pactnerships with the private sector to provide various resources, assets, and services in order to
11        comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of this Act.
12                     Any and an contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of this Act shall
13       be subject to the laws and niles on public accountability and transparency and good governance.
14                                                                                      Chapter 10
15                                     The philippine Infostructure Management corporation
16                    See. 43. The philippine Infostructure Management corporation. -For the purp()se
17       of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the lcT assets of the DICT, and
18       a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related to connectivity, data center and cl()ud
19       infrast"cture, there is hereby established a body corporate to be known as philippine Infostructure
20       Management  Corporation  q'rMq, which  shall be  an  attached  agency  to  the  DICT.  The  legal
21        existence of the I)IC `shall be for a period of50 years  from the date of the approval of this Act.
22       The PIMC  shall be  subject to the rules  and regulations  as  the DICT may impose  from time  tt)
23       time.
24                     Sec. 44. Powers and functions. -To carry out its main purpose and in accordance with
25       applicable laws  and  rules, the  PIMC  shall have, in  additit>n  to  any  and  all powers granted to  a
26       corporation under the general corporation code, the following functions and powers:
27                     a.    Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but not hmited to the National
28                            Broadband plan, Free wiFi for All, and expansion of the National Government Data
29                           Centers and Government cloud;
30                     b.    Manage lcT assets of the DICT;
16


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
iF
12
13
14
15
c.    Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by-laws;
d.    Determine its  operating policies, and  to issue  such  rules  and  riqqulati{tns as may be
necessary to achieve its main purpose;
e.    Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;
f.    Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or otherwise dispose
of the same;
9.    Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local and foreigr
sources;    providccl,   that    such    loans    shall   be    incurred    only   upon    favorable
recommendation of the DICT and approval by the President of the Philippines;
h.    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;
provided,  that  for  this  purpose,  the  PIMC  may  contract  the  services  of  private
ct)nsultants.
16                    Sec. 45. Board of Trustees. -The corporate powers and functions of the PIMC shall be
17       `Tested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees that shall be composed of the following:
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
a.    The Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology,
as the px oLff47.a Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
b.   The   Undersecretary   of  the   Department   of  Information   and   Communications
Technology, as the G,\. a;#:cz.a Executive Vice Chairman;
c.    The commissioner of the National Telecommunications commission, or his/her duly
designated undersecretary, as ex oLffc7.a ;erciw4er;.
d.    The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or his/her duly
designated undersecretary, as c.\. q[#lc7.a A%jw4er,.
e.    One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information Technology and
Business Process Outsourcing Industry;
f.     One (1) representative from the private sector from the Telecommunications Industry;
and
9.    One (1) representative from the local iro; vernment units.
31                      The  representatives  from  the  private  sector  and  the  local  government  units  shall  be
32       appointed by the President. The representatives  from the private  sector shall be app()inted only
33       upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the Government commission on GOCCs.
17


1       The representatives  from the private sector shall be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and
2       intenect, at least thirty-five years of age, possessed of demonstrated administrative skill and abinty
3       in the field oflcT, and with a minimum often  (10) years of professional experience in the field
4       of ICT.  The  representative  from  the  local  government  units  shall  be  appointed  only  upon  a
5       favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of lnterior and Local
6       Government.
7                     The chief Executive officer of the corporation shall execute and administer the policies
8       and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, and direct and supervise
9       the operations and management of the corporation. He shall have direct control and supervision
10       of the business of the pIMc in allmattefs which are not by this Act orby the by-laws of the Bank
11        specifically reserved to be done by the Board of Trustees, He shah, subject to the approval of the
12       Board   in   case   of  approval  of  appointments   to   managerial  positions   and  above,  and   the
13       confirmation of the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint the persormel
14       of the coxporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for cause, and prescribe their
15       duties and qualifications, in accordance with existing ciul service laws, rules and regulations, to the
16       end that only competent and qualified personnel may be employed.
17                      All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.
18                     The  Chairman  and the members  of the Board  sham act as  the heads  of such  operating
19       departments as may be set up by the Board. The chairman shall have authority, exercisable at his
20       discretion,  to  determine  from  time to  time  the  organizational  divisions  to  be  headed  by  each
21        member serving full time and to make the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant theret().
22       The  compensation  of the  Chairman  and  the  members  of the  Board  of Trustees  shall  be  in
23       accordance with applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service.
24                     The chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive vice-Chairman and one or
25       more Vice~Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the Board of Trustees.   The
26       salaries  of the Vice-Chairmen  shall be  fixed by the Board  of Trustees  with the  approval t>f the
27       Pre`sident of the philippines.
28                     Sec. 46. Authorized capital stock. -The PIMC shall have an authorized capital stock t>f
29       Five  Bimon  pesos   q'IIP   5,000,000,000.00),  divided  into  Five  Million   (5,000,000)   shares  ()f
30       common  stock with  a par value  of One Thousand Philippine  Pesos  q'I-IP  1,000.00)  per  share,
31        which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
18


1                      0f the total capital subscribed by  the government.  One BiHion philippine  pesos  (PIIP
2       1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the effectivity of this Act,
3       and one Billion philippine pesos ¢HP 1,000,000,000.00) every year thereafter for four (4) years
4       for which purpose the amount of one Billion philippine pesos @HP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby
5       appropriated   upon   the   effectivity   of  this   Act,   and   One   Billion   Philippine   Pesos   @HP
6       1,000,000,000.00) every year for the next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds in the National
7       Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpt)se.
8                    Sec. 47. Personnel cost of administration. -The Board of Trustees shall provide for
9       an  organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry out the  functions of the
10       I'IMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such officers and employees for cause.
11        The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject to the rules and regulations issued by the civil
12       Service commission but shall not fall under the salary standardization Law. The Board ofTrustces
13       shall  recommend  to  the  Civil  Service  Commission  rules  and  regulatic>ns  for  the  recruitment,
14       appointment,  compensation,  administration,  conduct,  promotion,  and  removal  of  all  PJMC
15       officers and employees under a strict merit system and prepafe and conduct examinations under
16       the supervision of said commission.
17                     The administrative expenses of the pIMc during any single fiscal year shall not in any case
18       exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.
19                     Sec. 48. Legal counsel. -The secretary of ]ustice shall be c.\.-oj#lcz.a legal adviser of the
20       PIMC. Any provision oflaw to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC shall have It`s own Legal
21       Department, the chief and members of which shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees. The
22       composition, budget and operating expenses of the office of the Legal counsel and the salaries
23       and traveling expenses of its officers and employees shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and
24       paidbythepIMC.
25             Sec. 49. Removal of members. -The president of the philippines may, at any time, remove
26       the  Chairman  or  any  member of the  Board  appt>inted by  him  for,  in  addition  to  any  and  all
27       recognized causes for termination under applicable civil service laws and rules, any of the following
28        causes:
29                     a.    Mismanagement,  grave  abuse  of discretion,  infidelity  in  the  conduct  of  fiduciary
30                            relations, or gross neglect in the performance of duties;
31                      b.    Dishonesty, corruption, or any act involving moral turpitude;
19


c.    Any act or performance tending to prejudice or impair the substantial rights  of the
government and the corporation's stockholders.
3                     The chairman or member may, in any of the above cases, be civiuy liable for any damage
4       that may have been suffered by the corporation.
5                    Sec.50.Timeline of organization of the  PIMC. -The PIMC  shall be instituted  and
6       organized within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act.
7                                                                                   Chapter 11
8                                                                   The IcT Academy
9                    Sec.  51.  Establishment  of the  ICT Academy and  its purposes.  -The  DICT  shall
10       establish and develop niles and pohcies for the operations of an IcT Academy that shall ha`'e the
11        followingpurposes:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
a.    To  foster and  support the  stratealc goals  of the  national ICT development  agenda
through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development programs and
for other purposes;
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 ur)dated data
on local and international skills supply and demand;
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.     Create  ancl  foster  partnefships  with  different  persons,  entities,  and  institutions  for
purposes  of developing and  updating the Academy's  resources, its  ICT curriculum,
modules, pedagodrcal approaches; and
9.    To  regularly assess  the  state  of the country  in terms  of comparative  ICT  skills  and
performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns;
28                      Sec. 52. Satellite units.-The IcT Academy shall have satellite units in particular reasons,
29       provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon determination of the DICT, in coordination
30       with the commission on Higher Education aiid the Technical Education and skills Development
20


1        Authority, it is found to be necessary to ensure broader access to quality ICT trainings and skills
2       development, and to further enhance the Academy's capability to attain its purposes.
3                     Sec.  53.  Access  and  admission.  -The  Academy  shah  be  accessible  to  all  citizens
4       regardless  of skin,  age,  gender,  relialous  belief,  economic  status,  ethnicity,  physical  disability,
5       political opinion or affhiation.
6                     The  DICT  shall institute  an admissions process  to  ensure  that  citizens  shall have  equal
7       access to lcT education and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall have IcT education.
8                      Sec. 54. Finances. -'The Academy's operations shall be financiauy supported by a budget
9       from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through donations, in accordance
10       with apphcable laws and rules.
11                      All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed foi. the for the benefit
12       of  the   students,   faculty,  trainers,  and  advisers,  to   serve  the  acquisition,  construction,  and
13       maintenance  needs  of the Academy, as weH  as  the proper administration  of its  programs  and,
14       generally,  the  attainment  of  the  purposes  of  the  Academy; Pro47.dGc7,  that  such  retention  and
15       disbursement   shall   be   subjected   to   applicable   laws   and   rues   on   government   audit   and
16        accountability.
17                     Donations  and  fees  collected  shall be held  in  a  fund,  to  be  administered in  trust  by  a
18       Committee  created  by  the  DICT  for  such  purpose.  The  fund  shall  in  no  case  be  impaired.
19       Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which they were donated.
20                     Sec. 55. Partnerships. -The Academy may form partnerships with different educational
21        institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of the Academy. Partnerships
22       may  be  in  the  form  of resource  sharing, module  and  training development,  faculty  exchange,
23       standards  development, trainings  collaboration, and other similar  forms.  All partnerships to  be
24       entered into by the Academy shall be in accordance with the law, approved by the DICT secretary,
25       and shall n()t require the disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.
26                                                                                   Chapter 12
27                                                                  Miscellaneous provisions
28                     Sec. 56. Transitory provisions. -In accordance with the objectives of this Act, the DICT,
29       in  coordination  with  relevant  government  agencies  and  instrumentalities,  as  well  as  private
21


1        stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and implement a master plan for the
2       transition of the govcmment and its provision of services in the diedtal age.
3                     For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have completed the
4       transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, al government activities covered under
5       this Act shall be conducted in the manner provided for under existing laws and ndes.
6                     The  government  shall  complete  the  transition  in  a  maximum  of  five  (5)  years  from
7       effectivity of this  Act.
8                     Sec.  57.  Regular  status  reports.  -All  agencies,  offices,  and  instrumentalities  of the
9       national  and  local  govcmments  covered  under  this  Act  shall  submit  to  the  20  Congress,  the
10       President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status ofimplementation of this Act. These
11        repocts sball hkewise bc made publicly avalable on and through the e-portals.
12                     Sec.  58.  Appropriations  and  funding.  -The  amount  necessary  to  cover  the  initial
13       implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged against the current
14       year's  appropriation  of the  national  government  agency,  office,  or  instrumentality  concerned.
15       Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued implementation sham be Included ln the
16       annual General Appropriations Act.
17                     The amount necessary to implement this Act In the local government level shall be charged
18       against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
19                    Sec. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. -The Department of Information and
20       Communications     Technology,    in     coordination    with     relevant    offices,    agencies,    and
21        instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the necessary rules  and
22       regulations  to  properly  and  efficiently  implement  this  Act  within  ninety  (90)  days  from  the
23       effectivity of this Act.
24                      Sec.  60.  Separability clause.  -If any provision of this  Act  shall be declared invalid or
25       unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this
26       Act.
27                     Sec.  61.  Repealing  clause.  -All  provisions  of laws,  presidential  decrees,  letters  of
28       instruction  and  other  presidential  issuances  which  are  incompatible  or  inconsistent  with  the
29       provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amencled or repealed.
22


1                      Sec.  62.  Effectivity.  -This  Act  shall  take  ef.fect within  fifteen  (15)  days  following its
2       publication in the official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
3                     Approved.
23