Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One of the priority bills of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his 2022 State of the 
Nation Address (SONA) is the E-Governance Act.  
This bill requires the government to establish an integrated, interconnected, and 
interoperable information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning 
the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records management 
information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public 
services. 
This bill also pushes for the digitization of paper-based and other traditional modes of 
workflows for a more efficient and transparent public service. 
The transition of government processes has been long sought after. Numerous 
companies have made work-from-home arrangements. Schools have shifted from the 
traditional mode of learning to online classes. These events in the life of the new normal 
must be the sign that government transactions should also be digitalized.  
The pandemic has exposed the flaws in pre-pandemic government transactions. Filipinos 
have experienced long lines and red tape in physical appointments with government 
agencies.  
We must learn to adapt to the new normal. Most transactions have been digitalized; I 
hope government transactions should be as well.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of 
the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
August 31, 2022
8:54 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE IN 
THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act of 2022." 
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 in accordance with its mandate
b. Promote 
use of the Internet, Intranet,
and 
other 
information 
and 
communications 
technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen participation in government; 
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 processes, where this collaboration would improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the processes;
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and program performance
goals;
e. Promote the use of the Internet, Intranet, and emerging technologies within and across
government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information and services;
f. Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
g. 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;
Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable;
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j. Transform agency operations by utilizing, 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 the 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 and government-owned or controlled corporations. 
 
39 SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms 40 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 to any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, 
the system, or component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by 
the DICT in accordance with its mandate, is utilized to ensure or support the proper and efficient 
operation and implementation of JCT-related programs and delivery of ICT services; and 
 
f. "JCT plan" - refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, 
agenda, and programs for the implementation of JCT 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  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 promulgated by the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology


 
b. 
Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency, privacy, and 
confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology; 
 
c. 
Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the Department of
 
Information and Communications Technology are 
communicated 
promptly 
and 
effectively to all relevant officials within their agency; and 
 
d. Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop, maintain, and promote 
an integrated Internet-based system of delivering Federal Government information and 14 
services to the public. 
 
To these ends: 
Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how electronic government 
enables progress toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and statutory mandates; 
ii. 
In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections to the extent 
practicable. Areas of performance measurement that agencies should include customer service; 
agency productivity; and adoption of innovative information technology, 
including 
the 
appropriate use of commercial best practices; 
 
 iii. Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, 30 to key groups, including 
citizens, businesses, and other governments; 
 
iv. 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 Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall, in addition 
to its mandates and functions under Republic Act No. 10844:  
 
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 infrastructures 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 to act as the primary implementing body. -The DICT shall be the primary 
implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects in the Philippines shall 
be done in accordance with the National ICT Development Agenda. For this purpose, the DICT 
shall establish measures to implement policies under this Act and ensure that all Act and objects 
in the Philippines, whether national or local are harmonized with the overall ICT plans 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 or industrial standards, specifications, 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 when necessary 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, in accordance with applicable laws and rules, charge reasonable  
administrative and operational fees as may be necessary. 
 
SEC. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office. - Within one year from the effectivity of this Act, 
the DICT shall establish government-wide Project Management Office, which shall cater to and 
address to 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 deliver successful projects, with the 
goal of delivering lasting 30 benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT services. 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO 


 
and as to the qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at 
the minimum obtain 
internationally-recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project Management, 
Program Management, IT Service Management ITIL, The Open Group Enterprise Architecture,  
Risk Management, and other similar 
fields or specializations. For this purpose, 
the ICT Academy shall ensure that courses, multimodal training, and certifications to develop this 
human resource are regularly 
offered. 
 
SEC. 9. Inclusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the Philippine Citizen Connect 
Program, when promulgating policies and implementing programs regarding the provision of 
government information and services over the internet and other platforms or channels, agency 
heads shall consider the impact on persons without access to such platforms or channels, and 
shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services 
has not been or will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the internet; 
and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government information and services more 
accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access to the internet or other 
platforms and channels. 
 
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 act as the primary means for the sharing and 
communication of resources, information, and data through and on digital and electronic 
platforms across all of the government. 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 government-owned 
and controlled corporations. 
 
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 local governments, 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. 
 


 
The government shall establish a framework to allow efficient interoperability among agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government when using electronic 
signatures, including the 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 internal and intra- government 
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 
an email network shall be 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 that 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 that shall act as a national repository and directory of information and data 
on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines or not and foreign nationals 
who eenterthe Philippines through legal channels.I nformation 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. 
 
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, subject to the Data 
Privacy Act (Republic Act 10173). 
 
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the database shall maintain 
a record of all the instances when, where, and how such agency, office, or instrumentality, or its 
duly authorized representatives, had accessed any 


 
information or data stored on the database and the purposes 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. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. 
The current Philippine 
Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for collecting, storing, and 
accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with the database, in accordance with 
existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 19. 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 to be updated across the entire government network, regardless of when and wher e 
the change in such data or information was first made or submitted, with the end view that and 
update made at any access point in the government ne work shall automatically be reflected and 
accessible across all access points in real time. 
 
SEC. 20. 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. 21. The 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 
stored on and accessed through the directory shall be reflected in real-time.  
 
SEC. 22. Access to and use of the directory. -The directory shall be accessible, through digital 
platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of the Philippines and 
foreign 
nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate channels for legitimate and valid 
purposes consistent with civil 40 service rules and the right of the public to information. 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, 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. 23. Establishment of online public service porta/ 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 that shag serve as a helpdesk where citizens can request for information and 
assistance on government frontline services, service procedures, and report commendations, 
appreciation, complaints, and feedback. 
 
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 24distributed 
to the different government agencies for proper handling and resolution, and follow through if 
necessary. 
 
SEC. 24. Access to and use of the online public service portal. -The portal shall be accessible, 
through digital platforms such as the intranet and internet, to citizens of the Philippines, foreign 
nationals who have entered the Philippines through legitimate channels, and businesses 
organized and existing or operating under the laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes 
consistent with the efficient delivery of public services. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, information, and 
data through 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. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. – All government agencies, offices, 
and instrumentalities that provide frontline services, as defined under Republic Act No. 9485, as 
amended, 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. 26. Access to frontline services. - The following shall be adopted by all government offices 
and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph: 
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 agencies 
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 so as 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 of 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. 
 
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 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 28 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. 
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. 27. The 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 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 and rules.  
 
SEC. 28. The Citizens' Concerns Center. - There is hereby established a Citizens' Concerns 
Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their complaints, grievances, 
and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic Act No. 9485 and other relevant 
laws, and/ or corruption or misconduct on the part of any government agency, government-owned 
or controlled corporation, government financial 
institution, 
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. 29. 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 interconnection, interoperability, and integration of 
the 
public 
feedback 
mechanisms. 
 
SEC. 30. 
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. 31. 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 
include but are not limited to the following: 
1. Telephone; 
2. Short message service (SMS) or text message service; 
3. Electronic mail (email); 
4. Social media; or 
5. 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 and 
hire the necessary personnel; 
 
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, directly or 
indirectly, in real-time, to the concerned agency, office, or 
instrumentality for appropriate action through the internal 4 government network. The 
complainant shall be given advice or feedback on the status of the concern until its resolution; 
 
d. Period to take action. - A citizen's concern lodged and received through any of the communication 
channels shall have a concrete and specific action within seventy-two (72) hours from -receipt by the 
proper government agency or instrumentality. For purposes of this provision, the period provided shall 
exclude such time outside the normal office hours of the agency or office concerned. 
 
SEC. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and local government units. 


 
— To ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously inaccordance with the objectives 
 
of 
this Act, all 
national government agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities, 
government- owned and 
controlled corporations, 
government financial institutions, as well as the 
local government units, 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 G 
THE PHILIPPINE CITIZEN CONNECT PROGRAM 
 
SEC. 33. The Philippine Citizen Connect Program. - The government shall establish a program, to be 
known as the "Philippine Citizen Connect," to assist and help the public to who does not have access 
to, or need help with using computers, the internet, and other analogous means to transact with and 
request the delivery of public services from the government in their localities. 
 
SEC. 34. Free access to the 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 enable access to the online portals, promote 1 
knowledge-building among citizens, and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving 
information and communication age. 
SEC. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all barangay 
centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and 
maintan internet-capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the purpose of 
enabling efficient and timely access to government services. 
 
SEC. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. - All barangay centers shall ensure that there will 
be government staff present to help the public access the government portal and perform online 
transactions with government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities. 
 
CHAPTER 7 
THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARDS 
 
SEC. 37. The Government E-Bulletin Board. - The government and all its agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each establish and maintain a website and an e-
bulletin board for the purposes of information sharing and dissemination, which shall be structured and 
maintained to ensure accessibility and security. 
 
SEC. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board.  


 
All government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws or 
rules 
to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information intended for public 
consumption and information shall, in addition to the traditional modes therefor, publish such notices, 
documents, or other information on the website and e-bulletin board. 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, 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 which 
website ore-bulletin board is accessible at such point in time where accessibility is 
claimed. For purposes of this provision, 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. 39. 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. 40. Data and information security. - All resources, information, 
or data stored on or transmitted through the IGN end 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. 
 
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 to 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 
and/or relevant penal laws. 


 
 
SEC. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government. - All agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities of the national and local government 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 
Department of Information and  Communications 
Technology; 
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. 42. 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. 
 
 Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of this Act shall be 
subject to the laws and rules on  public accountability and transparency and good governance. 


 
 
 
CHAPTER 10 
THE PHILIPPINE INFOSTRUCTIJRE MANAGEMENT 
CORPORATION 
 
 
SEC. 43. 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 corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC), which shall 
be an attached agency to the DICT. 
 
The legal existence of the DIC shall be for a period of 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. 44. 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 code, the following functions and powers: 
 
a. Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but 
not limited to the National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, 36 and expansion of the National 
Government Data Centers and Government Cloud; 
 
b. Manage ICT assets of the DICT; 
 
c. Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by laws; 
 
d. Determine its operating policies, and to issue such rules and regulations 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; 
 
g. 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 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 
 
Provide ICr counseling and technical services to government and private entities; provided, that 
forthis purpose, the PIMC may contract the services of private consultants. 
 
SEC. 45. 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 Department of Information and 28 Communications Technology, as the 
ex officio Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; 
 
b. The Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, 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 2 Management, or his/her duly 
designated undersecretary, as ex officio member; 
 
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 10 
Telecommunications 
Industry; and 
 
g. One (1) representative from the local government units. 
The representatives from the private sector and the local government units shall be appointed 
by the President. The representatives from the private sector shall be appointed only 
upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the Government Commission on GOCCs. 
The representatives from the 
private sector shall be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and 
intellect, at least thirty-five years of age, possessed of 


 
demonstrated administrative skill and ability in the field  ICT, and with a minimum of ten (10) years of 
professional experience in the 
field of JCT. The representative from the local government units 
shall be appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the 
Department of Interior and Local Government. 
 
 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation 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. 
He 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 Bank specifically 
reserved to be done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval 
of the Board in case of approval of appointments to managerial positions and 
above, and the confirmation of the Board in appointments to below that of 
manager level, appoint the personnel of the Corporation, remove, suspend or 
otherwise discipline them for cause, and prescribe their duties and 
qualifications, in accordance with existing civil service laws, rules and regulations, to the end 
that only competent and qualified personnel may be employed. 
 
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years. 
 
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. -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 and rules 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 13 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. 46. Authorized capita/ stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital stock of Five 
Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million (5,000,000) shares of common 
stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which 
shall be fully subscribed by the government. 
 
Of the total capital subscribed by the government, One Billion Philippine Pesos 


 
(PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from 
the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 
1,000,000,000.00) every year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose 
the amount of One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby 
appropriated upon the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 
1,000,000,000.00) every year for the next four (4) years thereafter, out of  the funds in the 
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purpose.  
SEC. 47. Personnel; cost of administration. - The Board of Trustees shall 
provide for an organization and staff ofofficers and employees necessary to 
carry out the functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and 
remove such officers und employees for cause. The FINIC 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 
and prepare and conduct examinations under the  supervision of said Commission.  
43 The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall not 44 in any 
case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.  
 
SEC. 48. Legal Counsel. - The Secretary of justice Shali be 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. 49. Removal of members. -The President of the Philippines may, at any 
time, remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him for, in addition to any 
and all recognized causes for termination under applicable civil service laws and rules, 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; 
 
 
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. 26 
SEC. 50. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. - The PIMC shall be instituted and organized 
within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER 11 
THE JCT ACADEMY 
 
SEC. 51. Establishment of the JCT 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 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 
updated data on local and international skills supply and demand; 
 
c. To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive and 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 JCT curriculum and training; 
 
 Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and institutions for purposes of 
developing and updating the Academy's resources, its JCT curriculum, modules, pedagogical 
approaches; and 
 
 g. To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative JCT skills and 
performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns. 
 
SEC. 52. Satellite units. - The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in 
particular regions, provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon 
determination of the DTCT, in coordination with the Commission on Higher 
Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, it is 
found to be necessary to ensure broader access to quality ICT trainings and skills development, 
and to further enhance the Academy's capability to attain its purposes. 
 
SEC. 53. Access and admission. -- The Academy shall be accessible to all 30 citizens 
regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical disability, 
political opinion or affiliation. 
 


 
The DICT shall institute an admissions process to ensure that citizens shall have equal access 
to ICT education and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall have ICT education. 
 
SEC. 54. Finances. - The Academy's operations shall be financially supported by a budget from 
the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through donations, in accordance with 
applicable laws and rules. 
 
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the 
for the benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers, to serve the 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as 
the proper administration of its programs and, generally, 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. 
Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which they were donated. 
 
SEC. 55. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different 
educational institutions and private entities for purposes 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 other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the 
Academy shall bein 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. 56. 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 objectives of this Act, all government activities 
covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner  provided for under existing laws and 
rules. 
 
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years 36 from effectivity 
of this Act. 
 


 
SEC. 57. 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. 
 
 
SEC. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the 
initial implementation of this Actin 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. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of Information 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, 
agencies, and instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations to properly and efficiently implement this Act within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
 
 
SEC. 60. 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. 61. 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. 
 
SEC. 62. 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,