NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. 1172
^cnatt
of (lie ^rriTtarp
”22 AUG 15 P5 55
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A MASTERPLAN FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to IGI Global, Electronic Governance or E-Governance is the 
application of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for delivering 
government services through integration of various stand-alone systems between 
Government-to-Citizens, Government-to- Business, and Government-to-Government 
services. In short. E-governance is about the use of information technology to raise 
the quality of the service government deliver to citizens and businesses. Through this, 
the government services are made available to the citizens in a convenient, efficient, 
and transparent matter by reinforcing the connection between public officials and 
communities thereby leading to a stronger, more accountable and inclusive 
democracy.
As the pandemic continue to hit economic stability of countries across the 
globe, business and societies continue to digitally transform. The pandemic has also 
catalyzed the shift in awareness and has provided the necessary push for more 
consumers-individuals, businesses and the government- to digitizing governance as 
the country was compelled to implement necessary health and social-distancing 
protocols.


Through this bill, the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT) is to establish, interconnected and interoperable internal 
government network which will 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 government shall likewise 
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 will be digitized, migrated to, and 
managed through the system. The government shall also establish a framework as 
well to allow efficient interoperability among agencies, offices, and instrumentalities 
of the national and local government.
Lastly, this bill mandates the government to establish, maintain, and support 
an individual information database which shall act as a national repository and 
directory of information and data on citizens of the Philippine, whether residing in the 
Philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enter the Philippines through legal 
channels. The database will be accessible, through digital platforms to all agencies, 
offices and instrumentalities of the government.
By institutionalizing E-Governance, it could become a powerful Instrument In 
providing the citizens with the ability to choose the manner in which they wish to 
Interact with the government and about the choices the government make about how 
ICT will be deployed to support citizen choices and to enable local government units 
to deliver more efficient and accessible service to their respective communities.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill Is earnestly sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s. No.
Senate
of (l)p cretar^
*22 AUG 15 P5 55
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCTTO
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A MASTERPLAN FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE 
GOVERNMENT TO E-GOVERNANCE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Phiiippinesf in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act
2 
Of 2022".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to
4 
recognize the vital role of Information and communications technology in the social
5 
and economic development of the country and the necessity of harnessing the power
6 
of information and communications technology in pursuit of national development and
7 
progress. The State hereby adopts a policy to create, foster, and sustain a digitally
8 
empowered and integrated government that provides responsive and transparent
9 
online citizen-centered services for a globally 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 the
13 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in
14 
accordance with its mandate;


1 
b. Promote use of the Internet, Intranet, and other information and
2 
communications technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen
3 
participation in government;
4 
c. Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government
5 
services, where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by
6 
integrating related functions, and in the use of internal electronic government
7 
processes, where this collaboration would improve the efficiency and
8 
effectiveness of the processes;
9 
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency mission and program
10 
performance goals;
11 
e. Promote the use of Internet, Intranet, and emerging technologies within and
12 
across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information
13 
and services;
14 
f. Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
15 
g. Promote better Informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers,
16 
taking into consideration data analytics results;
17 
h. Promote access to high quality government information and services across
18 
multiple channels;
19 
i. Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable;
20 
j. Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best practices
21 
from public and private sector organization, both local and international; and
22 
k. Provide enhanced access to government information and services In a manner
23 
consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy, national security,
24 
records retention, access for persons with disabilities, and other relevant laws.
25 
Sec. 3. Coverage. This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies
26 
including local government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations.
27 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms are defined
28 
as follows:
29 
a. E-governance refers to use of information and communications technology by
30 
the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of
31 
government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable
32 
and transparent government service;


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 data or
4 
application resources via Internet Protocol; and
5 
d. //7/e/77e^ refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data or
6 
application resources via Internet Protocol.
7 
e. ICT assets refers to any date, 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 of
11 
ICT services.
12 
f. ICT plan refers to the set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, and programs
13 
for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use of information
14 
and communications technology. Including digital platforms, to deliver public
15 
services or otherwise perform governmental functions.
16
17 
Chapter 1
18 
Role of the Government
19
20 
Sec. 5. Responsibilities of the heads of government agencies.- The head of
21 
each agency, office and instrumentality of the national and local government shall be
22 
responsible for:
23 
a. Complying with the requirements of this Act, including related standards for
24 
all ICT infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other
25 
technology, which shall be promulgated by the DICT;
26 
b. Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity,
27 
resiliency, privacy, and confidentiality, which shall also be
28 
promulgated by the Department of Information and Communications
29 
Technology;
30 
c. Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the
31 
Department of Information and Communications Technology are


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


1 
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws,
2 
standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;
3 
d. Assess, initiate and support ICT research and development programs of the
4 
government; and
5 
e. Prescribe, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the creation
6 
of ICT-related government positions and corresponding compensation rates
7 
aligned with the personnel needs of a digitalized government, as well as the
8 
qualifications, standards, duties, and functions essential to the effective
9 
development and operation of government ICT infrastructures and systems.
10 
Sec. 7. DICT to act as the primary implementing body. - The DICT shall be
11 
the primary Implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects
12 
In the Philippines shall be done in accordance with the National ICT Development
13 
Agenda. For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies
14 
under this Act and ensure that all ICT projects in the Philippines, whether national or
15 
local are harmonized with the overall ICT plans and In compliance with applicable
16 
standards. Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for the following:
17 
a. Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and
18 
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 Industrial
21 
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 ensure the
25 
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 goals
28 
of this Act; and
29 
f. Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and
30 
facilities, and in the exercise of such functions, in accordance with applicable
31 
laws and rules, charge reasonable administrative and operational fees as
32 
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 Management
3 
Office, which shall cater to and address to the portfolio program, and project
4 
management needs of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring that ICT
5 
projects across the government are managed with efficiency and agility following
6 
international best practices and standards, to deliver successful projects, with the goal
7 
of delivering lasting benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT services.
8 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and as to the
9 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain
10 
internationally-recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project
11 
Management, Program Management, IT Service Management UIL, The Open Group
12 
Enterprise Architecture, Risk Management, and other similar fields or specializations.
13 
For this purpose, the ICT Academy shall ensure that courses, multimodal training, and
14 
certifications to develop this human resource are regularly offered.
15 
Sec. 9. Indusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the
16 
Philippine Citizen Connect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing
17 
programs regarding the provision of government information and services over the
18 
internet and other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on
19 
persons without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent
20 
practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services has
21 
not been or will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the
22 
internet; and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government information
23 
and services more accessible to Individuals who do not own computers or lac access
24 
to the Internet or other platforms and channels.
25 
Chapter 2
26 
The Integrated Government Network
27 
Sec. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT
28 
shall establish and integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government
29 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act
30 
as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information,
31 
and data through and on digital and electronic platforms aross all of the government.


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


1 
to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be deemed
2 
appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency.
3 
Chapter 3
4 
The Philippine Information Defense
5 
Sec. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil Registration
6 
System.- The government shall establish, maintain, and support an individual
7 
information database which shall act as a national repository and directory of
8 
information and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines
9 
or not, and foreign nationals who enters the Philippines through legal channels.
10 
Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names,
11 
addresses, whether permanent or temporary, national Identification numbers, dates
12 
and places of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and other
13 
associated information: Provided, That the acquisition and storage of date and
14 
information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and
15 
international laws and rules on privacy of data and information,
16 
Sec. 17. Access to and use of the database. - The database shall be accessible,
17 
through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies, offices, and
18 
instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with legitimate and valid
19 
public purposes, subject to Republic Act No. 10173 otherwise known as Data Privacy
20 
Act.
21 
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the
22 
database shall maintain a record of all the Instances when, where, and how such
23 
agency, office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed
24 
any Information or data stored on the database and the purposes of such access,
25 
including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining access to the said
26 
database.
27 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
28 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant
29 
domestic and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and Information
30 
privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
31 
Sec. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current
32 
Philippine Identification System, Including Its existing and planned mechanisms for


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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 be updated across the entire government 
network, regardless of when and where the change in such data or information was 
first made or submitted, with the end in view that an update made at any access point 
in the government network 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 date, 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 civic and public officials and servants throughout the country, 
including names, titles and 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 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.


1 
Chapter 5
2 
The Government E-Portals
3 
Sec. 23. Establishment of online public service porta! for individuals and
4 
business. -In accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote
5 
an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to government
6 
information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall establish, maintain,
7 
and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a helpdesk where citizens can
8 
request for information and assistance on government frontline services, service
9 
procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, complaints, and feedback.
10 
The online portal shall also serve as centralized contact point where all
11 
communications from the public through such portal may be routed, logged,
12 
responded to, and ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for
13 
proper handling and resolution, and follow through if necessary.
14 
Sec. 24. Access to and use of the online public service portal. - The portal shall
15 
be accessible, through digital platforms such as the intranet and Internet, to citizens
16 
of the Philippines, foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through
17 
legitimate channels, and businesses organized and existing or operating under the
18 
laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient delivery of
19 
public services.
20 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources,
21 
information, and data through the portal shall be In accordance with ail relevant laws,
22 
rules, and regulations on data and Information privacy and the pertinent rules on
23 
confidentiality of government information.
24 
Sec. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. - All government
25 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined
26 
under Republic Act No. 9485, as amended or otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape
27 
Act of 2007, shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that such services are
28 
accessible and capable of delivery to the public through the portal.
29 
All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated
30 
to regularly undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement
31 
of their transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed
32 
necessary to maximize the use of the portal for efficiency and transparency.
10


1 
Sec. 26. Access to frontline services. -The following shall be adopted by all
2 
government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:
3 
a. Acceptance of applications and request. - All officers or employees shall
4 
accept written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by
5 
clients of the office or agencies through the portal.
6 
The responsible officer or employee shall acknowledge receipt of such
7 
application and/or request by writing or printing clearly thereon, through
8 
the portal, his/her name, the unit where he/she is connected with, and the
9 
time and date of receipt.
10 
The receiving officer or employee shall perform a preliminary assessment
11 
of the request so as to promote a more expeditious action on requests.
12 
b. Action of offices- All applications and/or requests submitted through the
13 
portal shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or employee during the
14 
period stated In the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than five (5)
15 
working days in the case of simple transactions, and ten (10) working days
16 
in the case of complex transactions from the date of request or application
17 
was received. Depending on the nature of the frontline services requested
18 
or the mandate of the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the
19 
maximum time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due
20 
to nature of frontline services or the mandate of the office or agency
21 
concerned the period for the delivery of frontline services shall be indicated
22 
In the Citizen's Charter. The office or agency concerned shall notify the
23 
requesting party In writing of the reason for the extension and the final date
24 
of release for the extension and the final date of release of the frontline
25 
service/s requested.
26 
No application or request shall be returned to the client without appropriate
27 
action. In case an application or request is disapproved, the officer or
28 
employee who rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to the client
29 
within five (5) working days from the receipt of the request and/or
30 
application, stating therein the reason for the disapproval including a list of
31 
specific requirement/s which the client failed to submit.
11


1 
c. Denial of request for access to government service - Any denial of request
2 
for access to government service shall be full explained In writing and
3 
through the portal, stating the name of the person making the denial and
4 
the grounds upon which such denial is based. Any denial of request is
5 
deemed to have been made with the permission or clearance from the
6 
highest authority having jurisdiction over the government office or agency
7 
concerned.
8 
d. Access to progression of frontline service requests through the online portal
9 
- All offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through
10 
the portal the progress of all frontline service requests in real time.
11 
e. Adoption of working schedules to serve clients through the online portal -
12 
Heads of offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt
13 
appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients have requested for
14 
public services through the portal are attended to and served even during
15 
lunch break and after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent
16 
civil service rules.
17 
f. Identification of public employees - All employees transacting with the
18 
public shall be provided with an official identification card which should be
19 
publicly accessible through the online portal.
20 
Government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities mandated under this
21 
Act to provide and deliver public services through the portal shall not in any
22 
way require the person requesting for such public service to physically go
23 
and report to the physical office of such agency, office, or instrumentality
24 
where the purpose of such physical presence may be reasonably
25 
accomplished through the online portal.
26
27 
Sec. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the
28 
online portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an
29 
internet-based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and
30 
businesses to remit payments through digital platforms to the government agencies
31 
to which such payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the
32 
services of and Interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities
12


1 
Sec. 28. The Citizen's Concerns Center. - there is hereby established a Citizens'
2 
Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their
3 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defines under Republic
4 
Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or
5 
misconduct on the part of any government agency, government-owned or controlled
6 
corporation, government financial institution, and other Instrumentalities of the
7 
government or any of its officers, officials, or employees.
8 
The Center shall be under the direction and supervision of the Office of the
9 
Cabinet Secretary, In coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local
10 
government units.
11 
Sec. 29. Integration with existing public feedback mechanisms. - All existing
12 
public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by
13 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully
14 
Integrated with the Center. For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives of
15 
this Act, the Center may enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the
16 
interconnection, interoperability, and integration of the public feedback mechanisms.
17 
Sec. 30. Integration with the internal government network and database. -The
18 
Center, Including Its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully integrated
19 
with the internal government network and database for real time updating data and
20 
information.
21 
Sec. 31. Minimum operating standards. - The Center, Including Its sub-
22 
operational units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:
23 
a. Communication channels - The Center shall provide communications
24 
channels which include but are not limited to the following:
25 
1. Telephone;
26 
2. Short message service (SMS) or text message service;
27 
3. Electronic mail (email);
28 
4. Social media; or
29 
5. Other emerging communications media which can reasonably be
30 
used to fulfill the purposes of the Center.
31 
b. Operating hours - The Center shall operate, through any of its
32 
communications channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a
13


1 
week, including national holidays and days in which work is suspended for
2 
whatever reason, for which purpose the Center may establish effective
3 
measures and hire the necessary personnel;
4 
c. Personnel flow- A citizen's concern received through any of the
5 
communications shall immediately be encoded onto the Philippine
6 
Information Database and referred, directly or indirectly, in real time, to the
7 
concerned agency, office, or instrumentality for appropriate action through
8 
the internal government network. The complainant shall be given advice or
9 
feedback on the status of the concern until its resolution;
10 
d. Period to take action - A citizen's concern lodged and received through any
11 
of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific action
12 
within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government
13 
agency or instrumentality. For purposes of this provision, the period
14 
provided shall exclude such time outside the normal office hours of the
15 
agency or office concerned.
16 
Sec. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and iocai government units. - To
17 
ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously In accordance with the
18 
objectives of this Act, ail national government agencies, offices, and Instrumentalities,
19 
government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, as
20 
well as the local government units, are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the
21 
Office of the Cabinet Secretary and each other to ensure prompt action on the
22 
concerns received through the communications channels of the Center.
23 
Chapter 6
24 
The Philippine CitizenConnect Program
25 
Sec. 33. The Phiiippine CitizenConnect Program. - The government shall
26 
establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine CitizenConnect," to assist and help
27 
the public who does not have access to, or need help with using computers, the
28 
internet, and other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of
29 
public services from the government In their localities.
30 
Sec 34. Free access to the internet for the pubiic. - Pursuant to Republic Act
31 
No. 10929 or otherwise known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the
32 
government, through the DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access
14


1 
to internet service in public places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved
2 
areas, throughout the country, to enable access to the online portal, promote
3 
knowledge-building among citizens, and enable them to participant and compete in
4 
the evolving Information and communication age.
5 
Sec. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all barangay
6 
centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain internet-
7 
capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the purpose of
8 
enabling efficient and timely access to government services.
9 
Sec 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. - All barangay centers shall
10 
ensure that there will be government staff present to help the public access the
11 
government portal and perform online transactions with government agencies, offices,
12 
and Instrumentalities.
13 
Chapter 7
14 
The Government Websites and E-Bulletin Boards
15 
Sec. 37. The Government E-buHetin Board. - The government and all its
16 
agencies. Offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each
17 
establish and maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of
18 
information sharing and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to
19 
ensure accessibility and security.
20 
Sec. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. - All
21 
government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws
22 
or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information
23 
intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the traditional
24 
modes therefor, publish such notices, documents, or other Information on the website
25 
and e-bulletin board.
26 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication
27 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board
28 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with
29 
laws and rules requiring publication; Provided, That such website or e-bulletin board
30 
is accessible at such point In time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of this
31 
provision, the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, document, or
32 
information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public.
15


1 
Sec. 39. Minimum standards for government websites and information portais.
1 
- The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites and
3 
information portals:
4 
a. It shall include direct and easily Identifiable links to (i) description of the
5 
mission, statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency;
6 
and (II) commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and
7 
other common matters of public concern; and
8 
b. It shall include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and
9 
applicable portals for the delivery of public services.
10 
Chapter 8
11 
Security and Privacy
12 
Sec. 40. Data and information security. - All resources. Information or data
13 
stored on or transmitted through the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
14 
interoperable with it, the Philippine Information Database, the Public Service Directory,
15 
the portals, and websites shall be kept secure and free from Interference or
16 
unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of the
17 
information and communication technology assets.
18 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be
19 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance
20 
with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the
21 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
22 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise
23 
of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected to and
24 
Interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shall incur
25 
criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or relevant penal
26 
laws.
27 
Sec. 41. Responsibiiity of die nationai and iocai government - All agencies,
28 
offices, and Instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act shall
29 
be responsible for:
30 
a. Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and
31 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure.
32 
Disruption, modification, or destruction of Information collected or
16


1 
maintained by or on behalf of the agency; and information systems used or
2 
operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization
3 
on behalf of the agency.
4 
b. Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such
5 
information and information systems and implementing the same;
6 
c. Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and
7 
techniques to ensure that they are effectively implemented;
8 
d. Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on Information security
9 
and privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines,
10 
including information security standards promulgated by the DICT; and
11 
Information security standards and guidelines for national security systems
12 
issued in accordance with law and as directed by the President; and
13 
e. Ensuring that information security management processes are Integrated
14 
with agency strategic and operational planning processes.
15 
Chapter 9
16 
Participation of the Private Sector
17 
Sec. 42. Government cooperation with the private sector. -Nothing in this Act
18 
shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts,
19 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources,
20 
assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of
21 
this Act.
22 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of
23 
this Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and transparency
24 
and good governance.
25 
Chapter 10
26 
The Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation
27 
Sec. 43. The Phiiippine Infostructure Management Corporation. - For the
28 
purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT
29 
assets of the DICT, and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related to
30 
connectivity, data center and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a body
31 
corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC),
17


1 
which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. The PIMC shall be subject to the rules
2 
and regulations as the DICT may impose from time to time.
3 
Sec 44. Powers and functions. - To carry out its main purpose and in
4 
accordance with applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall have, in addition to any and
5 
all powers granted to a corporation under the general corporation code, the following
6 
functions and powers:
7 
a. Plan and Implement infrastructure programs such as but not limited to the
8 
National Broadband Plan, Free Wifi for All, and expansion of the National
9 
Government Data Centers and Government Cloud;
10 
b. Manage ICT assets of the DICT;
11 
c. Prescribe, repeal, and alter Its own by-laws;
12 
d. Determine its operating policies, and to Issue such rules and regulations as
13 
may be necessary to achieve its main purpose;
14 
e. Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;
15 
f. Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or
16 
otherwise dispose of the same;
17 
g. Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local
18 
and foreign sources; Provided, That such loans shall be incurred only upon
19 
favorable recommendation of the DICT and approval by the President of the
20 
Philippines;
21 
h. Hold, own, purchase, acquire, sell or otherwise invest, or reinvest In stocks,
22 
bonds or other securities capable of giving the PIMC a reasonably assured
23 
income sufficient to support its activities; and
24 
i. Provide ICT counseling and technical services to government and private
25 
entities; Provided, Tat for this purpose, the PIMC may contact the services
26 
of private consultants.
27 
Sec. 45. Board of Trustees. - The corporate powers and fucntions of the PIMC
28 
shall be vested In and exercised by the Board of Trustees that shall be composed of
29 
the following:
30 
a. The Secretary of the DICT, as the ex officio Chairman and Chief Executive
31 
Officer;
32 
b. The Undersecretary of the DICT, as the ex officio Executive Vice Chairman;
18


1 
c. The Commission of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC_; or
2 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member;
3 
d. The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
4 
or his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member;
5 
e. One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information
6 
Technology and Business Process Outsourcing Industry;
7 
f. One (1) representative from the private sector from the
8 
Telecommunications Industry; and
9 
g. One (1) representative from the local government units;
10 
The representatives from the private sector and the local government units
11 
shall be appointed by the President. The representatives from the private sector shall
12 
be appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the
13 
Government Commission on GOCCs. The representatives from the private sector shall
14 
be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and intellect, at least thirty-five (35) years
15 
of age, possessed of demonstrated administrative skills and ability In the field of ICT.
16 
The representative from the local government units shall be appointed only upon a
17 
favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior
18 
and Local Government.
19 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer the
20 
policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, and
21 
direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He shall
22 
have direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He
23 
shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters
24 
which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be
25 
done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case
26 
of approval of appointments to managerial positions and above, and the confirmation
27 
of the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint the personnel
28 
of the Corporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for cause, and
29 
prescribe their duties and qualifications, in accordance with existing civil service laws,
30 
rules and regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified personnel may be
31 
employed.
32 
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.
19


1 
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such
2 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have
3 
authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the
4 
organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to make
5 
the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the
6 
Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with
7 
applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service. The Chairman of the
8 
Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman and one or more Vice-Chairmen
9 
who shall be chosen and may be removed by the Board of Trustees. The salaries of
10 
the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees with the approval of the
11 
President of the Philippines.
12 
Sec. 46. Authorized capita! stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital
13 
stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million
14 
(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine
15 
Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
16 
Of the total capital subscribed by the government. One Billion Philippine Pesos
17 
(PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the
18 
effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every
19 
year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose the amount of One Billion
20 
Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated upon the effectivity
21 
of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every year for
22 
the next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds in the National Treasury not
23 
otherwise appropriated for the purpose.
24 
Sec. 47. Personnel; cost of administration. — The Board of Trustees shall
25 
provide for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry out
26 
the functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such
27 
officers and employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject
28 
to the rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall
29 
under the Salary Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to the
30 
Civil Service Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment,
31 
compensation, administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers
32 
and employees under a strict merit system and prepare and conduct examinations
20


1 
under the supervision of said Commission. The administrative expenses of the PIMC
2 
during any single fiscal year shall not in any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total
3 
assets.
4 
Sec. 48. Legal Counsel. — The Secretary of Justice shall be ex-officio legal
5 
adviser of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC
6 
shall have Its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be
7 
appointed by the Board of Trustees. The composition, budget and operating expenses
8 
of the Office of the Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses of its officers
9 
and employees shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and paid by the PIMC.
10 
Sec. 49. Removal of members. — The President of the Philippines may, at any
11 
time, remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him for, in
12 
addition to any and all recognized causes for termination under applicable civil service
13 
laws and rules, any of the following causes: a. Mismanagement, grave abuse of
14 
discretion, infidelity in the conduct of fiduciary relations, or gross neglect in the
15 
performance of duties; b. Dishonesty, corruption, or any act Involving moral turpitude;
16 
c. Any act or performance tending to prejudice or Impair the substantial rights of the
17 
government and the corporation's stockholders. The Chairman or member may, in any
18 
of the above cases, be civilly liable for any damage that may have been suffered by
19 
the corporation.
20 
Sec. 50. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. — The PIMC shall be instituted
21 
and organized within one (1) year from effectlvity of this Act.
22 
Chapter 11
23 
The ICT Academy
24 
Sec. 51. Establishment of the ICT Academy and Its purposes. - The DICT shall
25 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy that
26 
shall have the following purposes:
27 
a. To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development
28 
agenda through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills development
29 
programs and for other purposes;
30 
b. To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skills, for purposes
31 
of enhancing the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most relevant and
32 
updated data on local and international skills supply and demand;
21


1 
c. To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive an
2 
inclusive economic growth;
3 
d. To promote, foster, and nurture the right of all citizens to quality education
4 
in ICT;
5 
e. To lead the country in setting standards in the development of ICT curriculum
6 
and training;
7 
f. Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and
8 
institutions for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's resources,
9 
Its ICT curriculum, modules, pedagogical approaches; and
10 
g. To regularly assess the state of the country In terms of comparative ICT
11 
skills and performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns;
12 
Sec. 52. Satellite units. -The ICT Academy shall have satellite units In particular
13 
regions, provinces or municipalities In the country if, upon determination of the DICT,
14 
in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education
15 
and Skills Development Authority, It Is found to be necessary to ensure broader access
16 
to quality ICT trainings and skills development, and to further enhance the Academy's
17 
capability to attain its purposes.
18 
Sec. 53. Access and admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all citizens
19 
regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical
20 
disability, political opinion or affiliation. The DICT shall institute an admissions process
21 
to ensure that citizens shall have equal access to ICT education and that the broadest
22 
base of the citizenry shall have ICT education.
23 
Sec. 54. Finances. - The Academy's operations shall be financially supported by
24 
a budget from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through
25 
donations, in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
26 
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the for
27 
the benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers, to serve the acquisition,
28 
construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as the proper
29 
administration of its programs and, generally, the attainment of the purposes of the
30 
Academy; provided, that such retention and disbursement shall be subjected to
31 
applicable laws and rules on government audit and accountability.
22


1 
Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in trust
2 
by a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no case be
3 
impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which they were
4 
donated.
5 
Sec. 55. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different
6 
educational institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of the
7 
Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and training
8 
development, faculty exchange, standards development, trainings collaboration, and
9 
other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered Into by the Academy shall be in
10 
accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and shall not require the
11 
disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.
12 
Chapter 12
13 
Miscellaneous Provisions
14 
Sec. 56. Transitory provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act,
15 
the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and Instrumentalities, as
16 
well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and
17 
implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of
18 
services in the digital age.
19 
For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have
20 
completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all government
21 
activities covered under this Act shall be conducted In the manner provided for under
22 
existing laws and rules.
23 
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years
24 
from effectivity of this Act.
25 
Sec. 57. Regular status reports. - All agencies, offices, and Instrumentalities of
26 
the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the
27 
Congress, the President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of
28 
implementation of this Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available on
29 
and through the e-portals.
30 
Sec. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the initial
31 
implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged against
32 
the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or
23


1 
instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its continued
2 
implementation shall be Included In the annual General Appropriations Act. The
3 
amount necessary to implement this Act In the local government level shall be charged
4 
against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
5 
Sec. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of Information
6 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, and
7 
instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the necessary
8 
rules and regulations to properly and efficiently Implement this Act within ninety (90)
9 
days from the effectivlty of this Act.
10 
Sec. 60. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
11 
unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be In full force
12 
and effect.
13 
Sec. 61. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
14 
parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
15 
hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.
16 
Sec. 62. Effectivlty. - This Act shall take effect immediately after fifteen (15)
17 
days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
18 
circulation.
Approved,
24