NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of fh ■ :x:Xw:}>
72 AUG 11 A10 73
SENATE „
S. No. 1126
RKCEr.-.JB!
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE IN 
THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The use of technology in almost all aspects of interactions of people in the 
Philippines had already emerged. The national government had already acted in 
accepting the reality that we are now moving from mechanical to digital age by 
enacting numerous laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the use of digital 
means. This particularly involves internet, paperless transactions, strengthening the 
e-commerce, and other enactments incorporating the use of electronic means in the 
daily lives of Filipinos.
The law attempted to integrate digitization in the lives of private Filipino 
citizens but has yet to start embracing fully the technology as part of administering 
the government. This was highlighted especially during COVID-19 pandemic as it 
cannot be denied that public service was hampered due to increasing infected cases 
that frequently shut down government offices. Despite the availability of technology 
as part of public governance, digital transformation has yet to be fully implemented 
in the Philippine government due to lack of law involving governance thru the use of 
electronic services and platforms.
The use of internet, intranet and governance thru electronic means should 
therefore be institutionalized as part of public service. Thru this measure, the 
government will eliminate delays in delivering services and information sharing. This 
is in keeping with the State policy embodied in Section 24 Article II of the 1987


Constitution that recognizes vital role of communication and information in nation­
building.
In response to the call of the Executive, this bill shall mandate E-governance 
as mandatory part of public service and administration, by means of information 
sharing and disseminations. This measure shall create the Philippine Infostructure 
Management Corporation to ensure that E-governance throughout the national 
government is effectively carried.
Together with the advocacies made by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" 
T. Go when he filed a similar bill, the undersigned also earnestly sought the passage 
of the same.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENA]
s. No. fisc
£3)t':iafe
of i("'
72 AUG 11 AID 73
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE 
IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUND THEREFORE, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act of
2 
2022".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation-building and the
5 
necessity of harnessing the power of information and communications technology in
6 
pursuit of national development and progress. The State hereby adopts a policy to
7 
create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that
8 
provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services for a globally
9 
competitive Filipino nation.
10 
In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following purposes:
11 
a. Provide effective leadership of government efforts to develop and promote
12 
electronic government services and processes by providing guidance to
13 
the Department of Information and Communications Technology in
14 
accordance with its mandate;
15 
b. Promote use of the internet, intranet, and other information and
16 
communications technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen
17 
participation in government;
18 
c. Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government
19 
services, where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by


1 
integrating related functions, and in the use of internal electronic
2 
government processes, where this collaboration would improve the
3 
efficiency and effectiveness of the processes;
4 
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and
5 
program performance goals;
6 
e. Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emerging technologies
7 
within and across government agencies to provide citizen-centric
8 
government information and 
services;
9 
f. Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
10 
g. Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy
11 
makers, taking into consideration data analytics results;
12 
h. Promote access to high quality government information and services
13 
across multiple channels;
14 
i. Make the national and local governments more transparent and
15 
accountable;
16 
j. Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best
17 
practices from public and private sector organizations, both local and
18 
international; and
19 
k. Provide enhanced access to government information and services in a
20 
manner consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy,
21 
national security, records retention, access for persons with disabilities,
22 
and other relevant laws.
23 
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies
24 
including local government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations.
25 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are
26 
defined as follows:
27 
a. E-Governance - refers to use of information and communications
28 
technology by the government and the public to enhance the access to and
29 
delivery of government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical,
30 
accountable and transparent government service;
31


1 
b. Workflow - refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other
2 
processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion;
3 
c. Intranet - refers to a secure and private enterprise network that shares
4 
data or application resources via Internet Protocol;
5 
d, Internet- refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data
6 
or application resources via Internet Protocol;
7 
e. ICTassets - refers any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or
8 
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in
9 
accordance with its mandate, utilized to ensure or support the proper and
10 
efficient operation and implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery
11 
of ICT services; and
12 
f. ICT plan - refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda,
13 
and programs for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the
14 
use of information and communications technology, including digital
15 
platforms, to deliver public services or otherwise perform governmental
16 
functions.
17 
Chapter 1
18 
Role of the Government
19 
Sec. 5. Responsibilities of the heads of government agencies. - The head of
20 
each agency, office, and instrumentality of the national and local government shall
21 
be responsible for:
22 
a. Complying with the requirements of this Act, including related standards
23 
for all ICT infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other
24 
technology, which shall be promulgated by the Department of Information
25 
and Communications Technology;
26 
b. Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency,
27 
privacy, and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the
28 
Department of Information and Communications Technology;
29 
c. Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the
30 
Department of Information and 
Communications Technology are
31 
communicated promptly and effectively to all relevant officials within their
32 
agency; and


1 
d. Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop,
2 
maintain, and promote an integrated Internet-based system of delivering
3 
Federal Government information and services to the public.
4 
To these ends:
5 
a. Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how
6 
electronic government enables progress toward agency objectives,
7 
strategic goals, and statutory mandates;
8 
b. In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections
9 
to the extent practicable. Areas of performance measurement that
10 
agencies should include customer service; agency productivity; and
11 
adoption of innovative information technology, including the appropriate
12 
use of commercial best practices;
13 
c. Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups,
14 
including citizens, businesses, and other governments;
15 
d. As appropriate, agencies shall work collectively in linking their
16 
performance goals to key groups and shall use information technology in
17 
delivering government information and services to those groups.
18 
Sec. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications
19 
Technology (DICT). - The Department of Information and Communications
20 
Technology (DICT) shall, in addition to its mandates and functions under Republic
21 
Act No. 10844:
22 
a. Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and initiatives to ensure
23 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and
24 
agency networking linkages among government agencies, consistent with
25 
E-Government objectives in particular, and national objectives in general;
26 
b. Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT
27 
infrastructures and designs, taking into consideration the Inventory of
28 
existing manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed
29 
systems;
30 
c. Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the
31 
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws,
32 
standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;


1 
d. Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and development
2 
programs of the government; and
3 
e. Prescribe, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the
4 
creation of ICT-related government positions and corresponding
5 
compensation rates aligned with the personnel needs of a digitalized
6 
government, as well as the qualifications, standards, duties, and functions
7 
essential to the effective development and operation of government ICT
8 
infrastructures and systems.
9 
Sec. 7. DICT to act as the primary implementing body. - The DICT shall be
10 
the primary implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT
11 
projects in the Philippines shall 
be done in accordance with the National ICT
12 
Development Agenda. For this 
purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to
13 
implement policies under this Act and ensure that all ICT projects In the Philippines,
14 
whether national or local are 
harmonized with the overall ICT plans and in
15 
compliance with applicable standards.
16 
Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for the following:
17 
a. Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry
18 
and adoption of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act;
19 
b. Ensuring the quality, security, reliability, and interoperability of all ICT
20 
infrastructure and services in accordance with international or
21 
industrial standards, specifications, and best practices;
22 
c. Tapping into the private sector and entering into partnerships and joint
23 
ventures in accordance with the goals of this Act;
24 
d. Mandate and supervise the adoption of policies and processes to
25 
ensure the implementation of this Act;
26 
e. Mandate and supervise the interconnection or interoperability of ICT
27 
infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary to achieve the
28 
goals of this Act; and
29 
f. Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems,
30 
and facilities, and in the exercise of such functions, in accordance with
31 
applicable laws and rules, charge reasonable administrative and
32 
operational fees as may be necessary.


1 
Sec. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office. - Within one year from the
2 
effectivity of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide Project
3 
Management Office, which shall cater to and address to the portfolio, program, and
4 
project management needs of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring
5 
that ICT projects across the government are managed with efficiency and agility
6 
following international best practices and standards, to deliver successful projects,
7 
with the goal of delivering lasting benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT
8 
services.
9 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and as to the
10 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain
11 
internationally recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project
12 
Management, Program Management, IT Service Management ITIL, The Open Group
13 
Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, and other similar fields or specializations.
14 
For this purpose, the ICT Academy shall ensure that courses, multimodal training,
15 
and certifications to develop this human resource are regularly offered.
16 
Sec. 9. Indusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the
17 
Philippine Citizen Connect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing
18 
programs regarding the provision of government information and services over the
19 
internet and other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on
20 
persons without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent
21 
practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services has
22 
not been or will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the
23 
internet; and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government information
24 
and services more accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack
25 
access to the internet or other platforms and channels.
26 
Chapter 2
27 
The Integrated Government Network
28 
Sec. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT
29 
shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government
30 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall
31 
act as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources.


1 
information, and data through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of
2 
the government.
3 
The IGN shall also act as the government's primary and focal information
4 
management tool and communications network.
5 
Sec. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN - The IGN shall cover all branches,
6 
agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government,
7 
including government-owned and controlled corporations.
8 
Sec. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing
9 
government networks. - All internal networks already established and maintained by
10 
any government agency, office, or instrumentality, including local governments, shall
11 
upon the effectivity of this Act, enact measures to establish interconnection to and
12 
interoperability with the IGN.
13 
Sec. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The
14 
government shall establish, maintain, and support a records management system for
15 
the systematic, efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and
16 
public documents and records. All paper-based documents and records shall be
17 
digitized, migrated to, and managed through this system. The government shall
18 
establish a framework to allow efficient Interoperability among agencies, offices, and
19 
instrumentalities of the national and local government when using electronic
20 
signatures, including processing of digital signatures.
21 
Sec. 14. Internal Email Network. - The government shall establish and
22 
maintain an internal email and communications network, to be known as "GovMail"
23 
for internal and intra-government communications, information dissemination and
24 
sharing, coordination, feedback, and other similar and related purposes. It shall be
25 
structured in a manner that ensures that the use and operation of such email
26 
network shall be accessible, safe, interactive, interconnected, and Interoperable.
27 
Sec. 15. Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows. -
28 
All paper-based government and bureaucratic workflows involving internal
29 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and
30 
other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as
31 
practicable, automated.
32


1 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information
2 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and
3 
sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be
4 
allowed to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be
5 
deemed appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency.
6 
Chapter 3
7 
The Philippine Information Database
8 
Sec. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil Registration
9 
System. - The government shall establish, maintain, and support an Individual
10 
information database which shall act as a national repository and directory of
11 
information and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the
12 
Philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enters the Philippines through legal
13 
channels. Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names,
14 
addresses, whether permanent or temporary, national Identification numbers, dates
15 
and places of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and
16 
other associated information: provided, that the acquisition and storage of data and
17 
information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and
18 
international laws and rules on privacy of data and information.
19 
Sec. 17. Access to and use of the database. - The database shall be
20 
accessible, through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies,
21 
offices, and instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with
22 
legitimate and valid public purposes, subject to the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act
23 
10173).
24 
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the
25 
database shall maintain a record of all the instances when, where, and how such
26 
agency, office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had
27 
accessed any information or data stored on the database and the purposes of such
28 
access, including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining access to the
29 
said database.
30 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
31 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant


1 
domestic and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information
2 
privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
3 
Sec. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current
4 
Philippine Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for
5 
collecting, storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with
6 
the database, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
7 
Sec. 19. Automatic and real time updating of information. - The government
8 
shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the
9 
database shall automatically and in real time be updated across the entire
10 
government network, regardless of when and where the change in such data or
11 
information was first made or submitted, with the end view that an update made at
12 
any access point in the government network shall automatically be reflected and
13 
accessible across all access points in real time.
14 
Sec. 20. Creation of data exchange protocols. - The DICT shall establish a
15 
data exchange protocol between and among agencies and private sector which shall
16 
ensure legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with
17 
applicable domestic and international laws on data privacy.
18 
Chapter 4
19 
The Public Service Directory
20 
Sec. 21. The Public Service Directory. - The government shall establish,
21 
maintain, and support a directory, to be known as the "Philippine Public Service
22 
Directory" of all civil and public officials and servants throughout the country,
23 
Including names, titles, telephone and facsimile numbers, departmental names,
24 
office locations, and e-mail addresses. Any changes to the information stored on and
25 
accessed through the directory shall be reflected in real time.
26 
Sec. 22. Access to and use of the directory. - The directory shall be
27 
accessible, through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of
28 
the Philippines and foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through
29 
legitimate channels for legitimate and valid purposes consistent with civil service
30 
rules and the right of the public to information.
31


1 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
2 
information, and data on the directory shall be in accordance with all relevant laws,
3 
rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on
4 
confidentiality of government information.
5 
Chapter 5
6 
The Government E-Portals
7 
Sec. 23. Establishment of online public service portal for individuals and
8 
business. -In accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote
9 
an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to
10 
government information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall
11 
establish, maintain, and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk
12 
where citizens can request for information and assistance on government frontline
13 
services, service procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints,
14 
and feedback.
15 
The online portal shall also serve as centralized contact point where ail
16 
communications from the public through such portal may be routed, logged,
17 
responded to, and ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for
18 
proper handling and resolution, and follow through If necessary.
19 
Sec. 24. Access to and use of the online public service portal. - The portal
20 
shall be accessible, through digital platforms such as the intranet and internet, to
21 
citizens of the Philippines, foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines
22 
through legitimate channels, and businesses organized and existing or operating
23 
under the laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient
24 
delivery of public services.
25 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
26 
information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all relevant
27 
laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules
28 
on confidentiality of government information.
29 
Sec. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. - All government
30 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined
31 
under Republic Act No. 9485, as amended, shall establish, and maintain measures to


1 
ensure that such services are accessible and capable of delivery to the public
2 
through the portal.
3 
All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated
4 
to regularly undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and
5 
improvement of their transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same
6 
if deemed necessary to maximize the use of the portal for efficiency and
7 
transparency.
8 
Sec. 26. Access to frontline services. - The following shall be adopted by all
9 
government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:
10 
a. Acceptance of applications and request - All officers or employees shall accept
11 
written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by clients
12 
of the office or agencies through the portal. The responsible officer or
13 
employee shall acknowledge receipt of such application and/or request by
14 
writing or printing clearly thereon, through the portal, his/her name, the unit
15 
where he/she is connected with, and the time and date of receipt. The
16 
receiving officer or employee shall perform a preliminary assessment of the
17 
request so as to promote a more expeditious action on requests.
18 
b. Action of offices. - All applications and/or requests submitted through the
19 
portal shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or employee during the
20 
period stated in the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than five
21 
working days in the case of simple transactions and ten (10) working days in
22 
the case of complex transactions from the date the request or application was
23 
received.
24 
Depending on the nature of the frontline services requested or the
25 
mandate of the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum
26 
time prescribed above may be extended.
27 
For the extension due to nature of frontline services or the mandate of
28 
the office or agency concerned the period for the delivery of frontline services
29 
shall be indicated in the Citizen's Charter. The office or agency concerned
30 
shall notify the requesting party in writing of the reason for the extension and
31 
the final date of release for the extension and the final date of release of the
32 
frontline service/s requested.


1 
No application or request shall be returned to the client without
2 
appropriate action. In case an application or request is disapproved, the
3 
officer or employee who rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to
4 
the client within five working days from the receipt of the request and/or
5 
application, stating therein the reason for the disapproval including a list of
6 
specific requirement/s which the client failed to submit.
7 
c. Denial of request for access to government service. - Any denial of request
8 
for access to government service shall be fully explained in writing and
9 
through the portal, stating the name of the person making the denial and the
10 
grounds upon which such denial is based. Any denial of request is deemed to
11 
have been made with the permission or clearance from the highest authority
12 
having jurisdiction over the government office or agency concerned.
13 
d. Access to progression of frontline service requests through the online portal. -
14 
All offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through the
15 
portal the progress of all frontline service requests in real time.
16 
e. Adoption of working schedules to serve clients through the online portal. -
17 
Heads of offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt
18 
appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients have requested for
19 
public services through the portal are attended to and served even during
20 
lunch break and after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent civil
21 
service rules.
22 
f. Identification of public employees. - All employees transacting with the public
23 
shall be provided with an official identification card which should be publicly
24 
accessible through the online portal. Government agencies, offices, and
25 
instrumentalities mandated under this Act to provide and deliver public
26 
services through the portal shall not in any way require the person requesting
27 
for such public service to physically go and report to the physical office of
28 
such agency, office, or instrumentality where the purpose of such physical
29 
presence may be reasonably accomplished through the online portal.
30 
Sec. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the
31 
online portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an
32 
internet-based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and


1 
businesses to remit payments through digital platforms to the government agencies
2 
to which such payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the
3 
services of and interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities,
4 
in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
5 
Sec. 28. The Citizens’ Concerns Center. - There is hereby established a
6 
Citizens' Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may
7 
report their complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined
8 
under Republic Act No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or
9 
misconduct on the part of any government agency, government-owned or controlled
10 
corporation, government financial institution, and other instrumentalities of the
11 
government or any of its officers, officials, or employees.
12 
The Center shall be under the direction and supervision of the Office of the
13 
Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local
14 
government units.
15 
Sec. 29. Integration with existing public feedback mechanisms. - All existing
16 
public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by
17 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully
18 
integrated with the Center.
19 
For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives of this Act, the Center
20 
may enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the interconnection,
21 
interoperability, and integration of the public feedback mechanisms.
22 
Sec. 30. Integration with the internal government network and database. -
23 
The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully
24 
integrated with the internal government network and database for real time
25 
updating of data and information.
26 
Sec. 31. Minimum operating standards. - The Center, including its sub
27 
operational units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:
28 
a. Communications channels. - The Center shall provide communications
29 
channels which include but are not limited to the following:
30 
1. Telephone;
31 
2. Short message service (SMS) or text message service;
32 
3. Electronic mail (email);


1 
4. Social media; or
2 
5. Other emerging communications media which can reasonably be
3 
used to fulfill the purposes of the Center.
4 
b. Operating hours. -The Center shall operate, through any of its
5 
communications channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7)
6 
days a week including national holidays and days in which work is
7 
suspended for whatever reason, for which purpose the Center may
8 
establish effective measures and hire the necessary personnel;
9 
c. Process flow. - A citizen's concern received through any of the
10 
communications channels shall immediately be encoded onto the
11 
Philippine Information Database and referred, directly or indirectly, in
12 
real time, to the concerned agency, office, or instrumentality for
13 
appropriate action through the internal government network. The
14 
complainant shall be given advice or feedback on the status of the
15 
concern until its resolution;
16 
d. Period to take action. - A citizen's concern lodged and received through
17 
any of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific
18 
action within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper
19 
government agency or instrumentality. For purposes of this provision,
20 
the period provided shall exclude such time outside the normal office
21 
hours of the agency or office concerned.
22 
Sec. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and iocai government units. -
23 
To ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with
24 
the objectives of this 
Act, ail national government agencies, offices, and
25 
instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations, government
26 
financial institutions, as well as the local government units, are enjoined to
27 
cooperate and coordinate with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and each other to
28 
ensure prompt action on the concerns received through the communications
29 
channels of the Center.
30 
Chapter 6
31 
The Philippine Citizen Connect Program
32


1 
Sec. 33. The Philippine Citizen Connect Program. - The government shall
2 
establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine Citizen Connect," to assist and
3 
help the public to who does not have access to, or need help with using computers,
4 
the internet, and other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of
5 
public services from the government in their localities.
6 
Sec. 34. Free access to the internet for the public. - Pursuant to Republic Act
7 
No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through
8 
the DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access to internet service in
9 
public places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout
10 
the country, to enable access to the online portals, promote knowledge-building
11 
among citizens, and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving
12 
information and communication age.
13 
Sec. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all
14 
barangay centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain
15 
internet capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the
16 
purpose of enabling efficient and timely access to government services.
17 
Sec. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. - All barangay centers shall
18 
ensure that there will be government staff present to help the public access the
19 
government portal and perform online transactions with government agencies,
20 
offices, and instrumentalities.
21 
Chapter 7
22 
The Government Websites and E-Bulletin Boards
23 
Sec. 37. The Government E-Buiietin Board. - The government and all its
24 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each
25 
establish and maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of
26 
information sharing and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to
27 
ensure accessibility and security.
28 
Sec. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. - All
29 
government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws
30 
or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other
31 
information intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the


1 
traditional modes therefor, publish such notices, documents, or other information on
2 
the website and e-bulletin board.
3 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication
4 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board
5 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with
6 
laws and rules requiring publication; provided, that such website or e-bulletin board
7 
is accessible at such point in time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of this
8 
provision, the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document,
9 
or information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
10 
Sec. 39. Minimum standards for government websites and information
11 
portais. - The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites
12 
and information portals:
13 
a. It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to (i) description of the
14 
mission, statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency;
15 
and (ii) commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other
16 
common matters of public concern; and
17 
b. It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and
18 
applicable portals for the delivery of public services.
19 
Chapter 8
20 
Security and Privacy
21 
Sec. 40. Data and information security. - All resources, information, or data
22 
stored on or transmitted through the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
23 
interoperable with it, the Philippine Information Database, the Public Service
24 
Directory, the portals, and websites shall be kept secure and free from interference
25 
or unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of
26 
the information and communication technology assets.
27 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be
28 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance
29 
with ail relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the
30 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
31 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the
32 
compromise of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected


1 
to and interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shall
2 
incur criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or relevant
3 
penal laws.
4 
Sec. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government - All agencies,
5 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act
6 
shall be responsible for:
7 
a. Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and
8 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure,
9 
disruption, modification, or destruction of information collected or maintained
10 
by or on behalf of the agency; and information systems used or operated by
11 
an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of
12 
an agency;
13 
b. Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such
14 
information and information systems and implementing the same;
15 
c. Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and
16 
techniques to ensure that they are effectively implemented;
17 
d. Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security
18 
and privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines, including
19 
information security standards promulgated by the Department of Information
20 
and Communications Technology; and information security standards and
21 
guidelines for national security systems issued in accordance with law and as
22 
directed by the President; and
23 
e. Ensuring that information security management processes are integrated with
24 
agency strategic and operational planning processes.
25 
Chapter 9
26 
Participation of the Private Sector
27 
Sec. 42. Government cooperation with the private sector. - Nothing in this Act
28 
shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts,
29 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources,
30 
assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of
31 
this Act.


1 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of
2 
this Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and
3 
transparency and good governance.
4 
Chapter 10
5 
The Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation
6 
Sec. 43. The Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation. - For the
7 
purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT
8 
assets of the DICT, and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related
9 
to connectivity, data center and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a
10 
body corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation
11 
(PIMC), which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. The legal existence of the
12 
Die shall be for a period of 50 years from the date of the approval of this Act. The
13 
PIMC shall be subject to the rules and regulations as the DICT may impose from
14 
time to time.
15 
Sec. 44. Powers and functions. - To carry out its main purpose and in
16 
accordance with applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall have, in addition to any
17 
and all powers granted to a corporation under the general corporation code, the
18 
following functions and powers:
19 
a. Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but not limited to the
20 
National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, and expansion of the National
21 
Government Data Centers and Government Cloud;
22 
b. Manage ICT assets of the DICT;
23 
c. Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by-laws;
24 
d. Determine its operating policies, and to issue such rules and regulations as
25 
may be necessary to achieve its main purpose;
26 
e. Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;
27 
f. Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or
28 
otherwise dispose of the same;
29 
g. Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local
30 
and foreign sources; provided, that such loans shall be incurred only upon
31 
favorable recommendation of the DICT and approval by the President of
32 
the Philippines;


1 
h. Hold, own, purchase, acquire, sell or otherwise invest, or reinvest in
2 
stocks, bonds or other securities capable of giving the PIMC a reasonably
3 
assured income sufficient to support its activities; and
4 
i. Provide ICT counselling and technical services to government and private
5 
entities; provided, that for this purpose, the PIMC may contract the
6 
services of private consultants.
7 
Sec. 45. Board of Trustees. —The corporate powers and functions of the
8 
PIMC shall be vested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees that shall be composed
9 
of the following:
10 
a. The Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications
11 
Technology, as the ex-officio Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;
12 
b. The 
Undersecretary of 
the Department of Information 
and
13 
Communications Technology, as the ex-officio Executive Vice Chairman;
14 
c. The Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, or
15 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex-officio member;
16 
d. The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or
17 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex-officio member;
18 
e. One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information
19 
Technology and Business Process Outsourcing Industry;
20 
f. One 
(1) representative 
from the private sector from 
the
21 
Telecommunications Industry; and
22 
g. One (1) representative from the local government units.
23 
The representatives from the private sector and the local government units
24 
shall be appointed by the President. The representatives from the private sector
25 
shall be appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the
26 
Government Commission on GOCCs. The representatives from the private sector
27 
shall be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and intellect, at least thirty-five years
28 
of age, possessed of demonstrated administrative skill and ability in the field of ICT,
29 
and with a minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of ICT.
30 
The representative from the local government units shall be appointed only upon a
31 
favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior
32 
and Local Government.


1 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer
2 
the policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda,
3 
and direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He
4 
shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters
5 
which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be
6 
done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case
7 
of approval of appointments to managerial positions and above, and the
8 
confirmation of the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint
9 
the personnel of the Corporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for
10 
cause, and prescribe their duties and qualifications, in accordance with existing civil
11 
service laws, rules and regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified
12 
personnel may be employed.
13 
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.
14 
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such
15 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have
16 
authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the
17 
organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to make
18 
the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the
19 
Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with
20 
applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service.
21 
The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman
22 
and one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the
23 
Board of Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of
24 
Trustees with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
25 
Sec. 46. Authorized capita! stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital
26 
stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million
27 
(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine
28 
Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
29 
Of the total capital subscribed by the government One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP
30 
1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the
31 
effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every
32 
year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose the amount of One Billion


1 
Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated upon the effectivity
2 
of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every year for
3 
the next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds in the National Treasury not
4 
otherwise appropriated for the purpose.
5 
Sec. 47. Personnel; cost of administration. — The Board of Trustees shall
6 
provide for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry
7 
out the functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such
8 
officers and employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject
9 
to the rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall
10 
under the Salary Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to
11 
the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment,
12 
compensation, administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers
13 
and employees under a strict merit system and prepare and conduct examinations
14 
under the supervision of said Commission.
15 
The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall
16 
not in any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.
17 
Sec. 48. Legal Counsel. — The Secretary of Justice shall be ex-officio legal
18 
adviser of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC
19 
shall have its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be
20 
appointed by the Board of Trustees. The composition, budget, and operating
21 
expenses of the Office of the Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses
22 
of its officers and employees shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and paid by the
23 
PIMC.
24 
Sec. 49. Removal of members. — The President of the Philippines may, at any
25 
time, remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him for, in
26 
addition to any and all recognized causes for termination under applicable civil
27 
service laws and rules, any of the following causes:
28 
a. Mismanagement, grave abuse of discretion, infidelity in the conduct of
29 
fiduciary relations, or gross neglect in the performance of duties;
30 
b. Dishonesty, corruption, or any act involving moral turpitude; and
31 
c. Any act or performance tending to prejudice or impair the substantial rights of
32 
the government and the corporation's stockholders.


1 
The Chairman or member may, In any of the above cases, be civilly liable for
2 
any damage that may have been suffered by the corporation.
3 
Sec. 50. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. — The PIMC shall be instituted
4 
and organized within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act.
5 
Chapter 11
6 
The ICT Academy
7 
Sec. 51. Establishment of the ICT Academy and its purposes. - The DICT shall
8 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy that
9 
shall have the following purposes:
10 
a. To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development
11 
agenda through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills
12 
development programs and for other purposes;
13 
b. To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skills, for
14 
purposes of enhancing the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most
15 
relevant and updated data on local and international skills supply and
16 
demand;
17 
c. To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive an
18 
inclusive economic growth;
19 
d. To promote, foster, and nurture the right of all citizens to quality
20 
education in ICT;
21 
e. To lead the country in setting standards in the development of ICT
22 
curriculum and training;
23 
f. Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and
24 
institutions for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's
25 
resources, its ICT curriculum, modules, pedagogical approaches; and
26 
g. To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT
27 
skills and performance, and suggest responsive policies to address
28 
concerns.
29 
Sec. 52. Satellite units. - The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in
30 
particular regions, provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon determination
31 
of the DICT, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the
32 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, it is found to be necessary to


1 
ensure broader access to quality ICT trainings and skills development, and to further
2 
enhance the Academy's capability to attain its purposes.
3 
Sec. 53. Access and admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all
4 
citizens regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity,
5 
physical disability, political opinion or affiliation. The DICT shall institute an
6 
admissions process to ensure that citizens shall have equal access to ICT education
7 
and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall have ICT education.
8 
Sec. 54. Finances. - The Academy's operations shall be financially supported
9 
by a budget from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through
10 
donations, in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
11 
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the
12 
for the benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers, to serve the
13 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as the
14 
proper administration of its programs and, generally, the attainment of the purposes
15 
of the Academy; provided, that such retention and disbursement shall be subjected
16 
to applicable laws and rules on government audit and accountability.
17 
Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in
18 
trust by a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no
19 
case be impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which
20 
they were donated.
21 
Sec. 55. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different
22 
educational institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of
23 
the Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and
24 
training development, faculty exchange, standards development, trainings
25 
collaboration, and other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the
26 
Academy shall be in accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and
27 
shall not require the disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.
28 
Chapter 12
29 
Miscellaneous Provisions
30 
Sec. 56. Transitory provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act,
31 
the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and instrumentalities,
32 
as well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and


1 
implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of
2 
services in the digital age.
3 
For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have
4 
completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all
5 
government activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner
6 
provided for under existing laws and rules.
7 
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years
8 
from effectivity of this Act.
9 
Sec. 57. Regular status reports. - All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of
10 
the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the
11 
Congress, the President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of
12 
implementation of this Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available
13 
on and through the e-portals.
14 
Sec. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the
15 
initial implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged
16 
against the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office,
17 
or instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its
18 
continued implementation shall be Included In the annual General Appropriations
19 
Act.
20 
The amount necessary to implement this Act In the local government level
21 
shall be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
22 
Sec. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of
23 
Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices,
24 
agencies, and instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall
25 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act properly and
26 
efficiently within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
27 
Sec. 60. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared
28 
invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the
29 
remaining provisions of this Act.
30 
Sec. 61. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters
31 
of instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent
32 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.


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