Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. DEAN ASISTIO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Of the many world-changing effects the ongoing global health crisis has 
caused, the most all-encompassing one would be the abrupt and forceful shift 
into the digital space. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen countless 
nations undergoing digital transformation at record speed. With schools 
implementing distance learning, work spaces going remote and businesses 
implementing cashless payment systems, it is becoming more and more 
obvious that the future is digital.  
As we turn into the digital age, the only way our government can keep 
up is by undergoing a digital transformation that can be initiated through the 
implementation of an integrated knowledge management system that makes 
full use of today’s technologies to deliver quality service to the public. For this 
reason, this representation would like to push for the transition of the 
government to E-Governance.  
E-Governance pertains to the exhaustive use of information
communications technology by the government to enhance the access to and 
delivery of government services so as to bring about efficient, responsive, 
ethical, accountable and transparent transactions involving public interest. 
This will also streamline and integrate workflows and processes, effectively 
manage data and information, and expand communication channels for 
engagement and empowerment of the people. It will pertain to the 
digitalization of government-to-government, government-to-business, and 
July 11, 2022
5:34 pm
1809


 
 
 
 
government-to-citizen interactions all while staying compliant to the 
Transparency Seal.  
 
This proposed bill envisions a more cohesive, whole-of-government 
approach in ushering policies that will be responsive to the "better normal". 
E-Governance will bolster all government offices and instrumentalities to 
fulfill their mandate by providing the public with easier and efficient access 
to government’s transparency in order to enforce more accountability to 
different government offices and instrumentalities.  
 
Public accountability is the foundation of public trust and confidence 
in our government, and E-Governance will bring the government closer to the 
people. Thus, giving every Filipino much more chance to participate in public 
and policy decision-making.  
It is therefore imperative that the State shall ease the use of 
governmental services for citizens, enhance governmental service delivery, 
simplify compliance of governmental laws for citizens, improve citizen 
engagement and public trust. Finally reforming the way we conduct business 
and more efficiently delivering services. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.  
 
 
 
      HON. DEAN ASISTIO 
Representative, 3rd District of Caloocan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. DEAN ASISTIO 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES  
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This act shall be known as the “E-Governance Act” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
recognize the vital role of communication and information in nation building and the 
necessity of harnessing the power of information and communications technology in 
pursuit of national development and progress. The State hereby adopts a policy to 
create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that 
provides responsive and transparent online citizen centered services for a globally 
competitive Filipino nation. 
In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following purposes: 
a. Provide effective leadership of government efforts to develop and promote electronic
government services and processes by providing guidance to the Department of 
Information and Communications Technology in accordance with its mandate: 
b. Promote use of the internet, intranet, and other information and communications
technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen participation in 
government; 
1809


 
 
 
 
 
c. Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government services, 
where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by integrating related 
functions, and in the use of internal electronic government processes, where this 
collaboration would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes;  
 
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and program 
performance goals;  
 
e. Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emerging technologies within and 
across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government information and 
services;  
 
f. Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities; 
 
g. Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers, taking 
into consideration data analytics results;  
 
h. Promote access to high quality government information and services across 
multiple channels;  
  
i. Make the national and local governments more transparent and accountable; 
  
j. Transform agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best practices from 
public and private sector organizations, both local and international; and 
 
k. Provide enhanced access to government information and services in a manner 
consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy, national security, 
records retention, access for persons with disabilities, and other relevant laws. 
 
SEC. 3. Coverage- This Act shall apply to all government offices and agencies 
including local government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations.  
 
 
 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms- As used in this Act, the following terms are 8  


defined as follows: 
a. "E-Governance" - refers to use of Information and communications technology by
the government and the public to enhance the access to and delivery of government 
services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable and transparent 
government service: 
b. "Workflow" - refers to the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes
through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion: 
c. "Intranet" - refers to a secure and private enterprise network that shares data or
application resources via Internet Protocol: and 
d. "Internet" -refers to a secure and public enterprise network that shares data or
application resources via Internet Protocol. 
e. "ICT assets" - refers to any data, device, equipment, infrastructure, system, or
component thereof, or property, owned or possessed by the DICT in accordance with 
its mandate, utilized to ensure or support the proper and efficient operation and 
implementation of ICT-related programs and delivery of ICT services. 
f. "ICT plan" - refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, agenda, and
programs for the implementation of ICT programs and projects and the use of 
information and communications technology, including digital platforms, to deliver 
public services or otherwise perform governmental functions. 
Chapter 1 
Role of the Government 
SEC. 5. Responsibilities of the heads of government agencies. - The head of each 
agency, office, and Instrumentality of the national and local government shall be 
responsible for: 
a. Complying with the requirements of this Act, Including related standards
for all ICT infrastructure, systems, equipment, designs, and all other 


 
 
 
 
technology, which shall be promulgated by the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology:  
 
b. Complying with the standards and protocols for cybersecurity, resiliency, 
privacy, and confidentiality, which shall also be promulgated by the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology:  
 
c. Ensuring that the information technology standards promulgated by the 
Department 
of 
Information 
and 
Communications 
Technology 
are 
communicated promptly and effectively to all relevant officials within their 
agency: and  
 
d. Supporting the efforts of the national and local government to develop, 
maintain, and promote an integrated Internet-based system of delivering 
Federal Government information and services to the public.  
 
To these ends: 
 
a. Agencies shall develop performance measures that demonstrate how 
electronic government enables progress toward agency objectives, strategic 
goals, and statutory mandates;  
 
b. In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing data collections 
to the extent practicable. Areas of performance measurement that agencies 
should include customer service; agency productivity; and adoption of 
Innovative information technology, including the appropriate use of 
commercial best practices;  
 
c. Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, to key groups, 
including citizens, businesses, and other governments;  
 
d. As appropriate, agencies shall work collectively in linking their performance 
goals to key groups and shall use information technology in delivering 
information and services to those groups.  
 
 


 
 
 
 
SEC. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT). - The Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT) shall, in addition to its mandates and functions under Republic 
Act No. 10844: 
 
a. Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and Initiatives to ensure 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and agency 
networking linkages among government agencies, consistent with E-
Government objectives in particular, and national objectives in general;  
 
b. Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT 
infrastructures and designs, taking into consideration the inventory of 
existing manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed 
systems; 
 
c. Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the 
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws, 
standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;  
 
d. Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and development 
programs of the government: and  
 
e. Prescribee, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the 
creation 
of 
ICT-related 
government 
positions 
and 
corresponding 
compensation rates aligned with the personnel needs of a digitalized 
government, as well as the qualifications, standards, duties, and functions 
essential to the effective development and operation of government ICT 
infrastructures and systems. 
 
SEC. 7. DICT to act as the primary implementing body. - The DICT shall be the 
primary implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects 
in the Philippines shall be done In accordance with the National ICT Development 
Agenda. For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to Implement policies 
under this Act and ensure that all ICT projects In the Philippines, whether national 
or local, are harmonized with the overall ICT plans and in compliance with applicable 
standards. Accordingly, the DICT shall be responsible for the following:  


 
 
 
 
a. Adopting a national policy and process that would facilitate the entry and 
adoption of technologies consistent with the goals of this Act;  
 
b. Ensuring the quality, security, reliability, and interoperability of all ICT 
infrastructure and services In accordance with International or industrial 
standards, specifications, and best practices; 
 
c. Tapping into the private sector and entering Into partnerships and joint 
ventures in accordance with the goals of this Act; 
 
d. Mandate and supervise the adoption of policies and processes to ensure the 
Implementation of this Act:  
 
e. Mandate and supervise the interconnection or Interoperability of ICT 
infrastructure, systems, and facilities when necessary to achieve the goals of  
this Act; and  
 
f. Regulate and supervise the operations of ICT infrastructure, systems, and 
facilities, and In the exercise of such functions, in accordance with applicable 
laws and rules, charge reasonable administrative and operational fees as may 
be necessary. 
 
SEC. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office. - Within one year from the effectivity 
of this Act, the DICT shall establish a government-wide Project Management Office, 
which shall cater to and address to the portfolio, program, and  
project management needs of government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring 
that ICT projects across the government are managed with efficiency and agility 
following international best practices and standards, to deliver successful projects, 
with the goal of delivering lasting benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT 
services.  
 
The DICT shall provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO and as to the 
qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who shall, at the minimum obtain 
Internationally-recognized certifications and a required number of units on Project  
Management, Program Management, IT Service Management ITIL, The Open Group 
Enterprise 
Architecture, 
Risk 
Management, 
and 
other 
similar 
fields 
or 


 
 
 
 
specializations. For this purpose, the ICT Academy shall ensure that courses, 
multimodal training, and certifications to develop this human resource are regularly 
offered. 
 
SEC. 9. Inclusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act on the Philippine 
CitizenConnect Program, when promulgating policies and implementing programs 
regarding the provision of government information and services over the internet and 
other platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on persons 
without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent practicable, 
ensure that the availability of government information and services has not been or 
will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the Internet; 
and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government Information and 
services more accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access to 
the internet or other platforms and channels. 
 
Chapter 2  
The Integrated Government Network 
 
Internal Government Network 
 
SEC. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT shall 
establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act 
as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information, 
and data through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of the 
government. The IGN shall also act as the government's primary and focal 
information management tool and communications network.  
 
SEC. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN. - The IGN shall cover all branches, 
agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, 
including government-owned and controlled corporations.  
 
SEC. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing 30 
government networks. - All internal networks already established and maintained 
by 31 any government agency, office, or instrumentality, including local 


 
 
 
 
governments, shall upon the effectivity of this Act, enact measures to establish 
interconnection to and interoperability with the IGN. 
 
Internal Records Management Information System 
 
SEC. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The government 
shall establish, maintain, and support a records management system for the 
systematic, efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and public 
documents and records. All paper-based documents and records shall be digitized, 
migrated to, and managed through this system.  
 
The government shall establish a framework to allow efficient interoperability among 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government then 
using electronic signatures, including processing of digital signatures. 
 
Internal Email and Communications Network 
 
SEC. 14. Internal Email Network. - The government shall establish and maintain 
an internal email and communications network, to be known as "GovMail," for 
internal and intra-government communications, information dissemination and 
sharing, coordination, feedback, and other similar and related purposes. It shall be 
structured in a manner that ensures that the use and operation of such an email 
network shall be accessible, safe, interactive, interconnected, and interoperable. 
 
Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows 
 
SEC. 15. Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows. - 
All paper-based government and bureaucratic workflows involving internal 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, 
and other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as 
practicable, automated. 
 
Notwithstanding 
the 
provisions 
of 
this 
Act, 
communication, 
information 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback which deals with critical and 
sensitive information as may be determined by the head of the agency shall be 


 
 
 
 
allowed to be conducted through traditional and non-digital means as may be 
deemed appropriate for the purpose by the head of the agency. 
 
Chapter 3  
The Philippine Information Database 
 
SEC. 16. The Philippine Individual Information Database and Civil 
Registration System. - The government shall establish, maintain, and support an 
individual information database which shall act as a national repository and 
directory of information and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in 
the Philippines or not, and foreign nationals who enter the Philippines through legal 
channels.  
 
Information and data to be stored on the database shall include names, addresses, 
whether permanent or temporary, national identification numbers, dates and places 
of birth, citizenship, civil status, biometric data and information, and other 
associated information: provided,that the acquisition and storage of data and 
information on the database shall not in any way violate any applicable domestic and 
international laws and rules on privacy of data and information. 
 
SEC. 17. Access to and use of the database. - The database shall be accessible, 
through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all agencies, offices, and 
instrumentalities of the government for purposes consistent with legitimate and valid 
public purposes, subject to the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act 28 10173).  
 
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the database 
shall maintain a record of all the Instances when, where, and how such agency, 
office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed any 
information or data stored on the database and the purposes of such 2 access, 
including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining access to the said 
database.  
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant 
domestic and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information 
privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information. 


 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current 
Philippine Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for 
collecting, storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with 
the database, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
SEC. 19. Automatic and real time updating of information. - The government 
shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that information stored on the 
database shall automatically and in real time 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 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 the private sector which shall 
ensure legitimacy of access to data, security of information, and compliance with 
applicable domestic and international laws on data privacy. 
 
Chapter 4  
The Public Service Directory 
 
SEC. 21. The Public Service Directory. - The government shall establish, maintain, 
and support a directory, to be known as the "Philippine Public Service Directory," of 
all civil and public officials and servants throughout the country, including names, 
titles, telephone and facsimile numbers, departmental names, office locations, and 
e-mail addresses. Any changes to the information stored on and accessed through 
the directory shall be reflected in real time.  
 
SEC. 22. Access to and use of the directory. - The directory shall be accessible, 
through digital platforms such as intranet and internet, to all citizens of the 
Philippines and foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through 
legitimate channels for legitimate and valid purposes consistent with civil service 
rules and the right of the public to information.  
 


 
 
 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the 15 resources, 
information, and data on the directory shall be In accordance with all 16 relevant 
laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 17 pertinent 
rules on confidentiality of government information. 
 
Chapter 5  
The Government E-Portals 
 
The Online Public Service Portals  
 
SEC. 23. Establishment of an online public service portal for individuals and 
business. - In accordance with the policy of the government to maintain and promote 
an integrated internet-based system of providing the public with access to 
government information and services, the government, through the DICT, shall 
establish, maintain, and continuously update a portal which shall serve as a 
helpdesk where citizens can request for information and assistance on government 
frontline services, service procedures, and report commendations, appreciation, 
complaints, and feedback. 
 
The online portal shall also serve as a centralized contact point where all 
communications from the public through such portal may be routed, logged, 
responded to, and ultimately distributed to the different government agencies for 
proper handling and resolution, and follow through if necessary.  
 
SEC. 24. Access to and use of the online public service portal. - The portal shall 
be accessible, through digital platforms such as the intranet and internet, to citizens 
of the Philippines, foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines through 
legitimate channels, and businesses organized and existing or operating under the 
laws and rules of the Philippines for purposes consistent with the efficient delivery 
of public services.  
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data through the portal shall be in accordance with all relevant 
laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules 
on confidentiality of government information.  
  


 
 
 
 
SEC. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. - All government 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide frontline services, as defined 
under Republic Act No. 9485, as amended, shall establish and maintain measures 
to ensure that such services are accessible and capable of delivery to the public 
through the portal.  
 
All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are hereby mandated to 
regularly undertake time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement 
of their transaction systems and procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed 
necessary to maximize the use of the portal for efficiency and transparency.  
 
SEC. 26. Access to frontline services. - The following shall be adopted by all 
government offices and agencies covered in the immediately preceding paragraph:  
 
a. Acceptance of applications and request - All officers or employees shall 
accept written applications, requests, and/or documents being submitted by 
clients of the office or agencies through the portal.  
 
 
The responsible officer or employee shall acknowledge receipt of such 
application and/or request by writing or printing clearly thereon, through the 
portal, his/her name, the unit where he/she is connected with, and the time 
and date of receipt.  
 
 
The receiving officer or employee shall perform a preliminary 
assessment of the request so as to promote a more expeditious action on 
requests.  
 
b. Action of offices. - All applications and/or requests submitted through the 
portal shall be acted upon by the assigned officer or employee during the 
period stated in the Citizen's Charter which shall not be longer than five 
working days in the case of simple transactions and ten (10) working days in 
the case of complex transactions from the date the request or application was 
received. Depending on the nature of the frontline services requested or the 
mandate of the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum 
time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due to the nature 
of frontline services or the mandate of the office or agency concerned the 


 
 
 
 
period for the delivery of frontline services shall be indicated in the Citizen's 
Charter. The office or agency concerned shall notify the requesting party In 
writing of the reason for the extension and the final date of release for the 
extension and the final date of release of the frontline service/s requested.  
 
 
No application or request shall be returned to the client without 
appropriate action. In case an application or request is disapproved, the officer 
or employee who rendered the decision shall send a formal notice to the client 
within five working days from the receipt of the request and/or application, 
stating therein the reason for the disapproval including a list of specific 
requirement/s which the client failed to submit.  
 
c. Denial of request for access to government service. - Any denial of request 
for access to government service shall be fully explained in writing and 
through the portal, stating the name of the person making the denial and the 
grounds upon which such denial is based. Any denial of request is deemed to 
have been made with the permission or clearance from the highest authority 
having jurisdiction over the government office or agency concerned.  
  
d. Access to progression of frontline service requests through the online portal. 
- All offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall make accessible through the 
portal the progress of all frontline service requests In real time.  
 
e. Adoption of working schedules to serve clients through the online portal. - 
Heads of offices and agencies which render frontline services shall adopt 
appropriate working schedules to ensure that all clients requested for public 
services through the portal are attended to and served even during lunch 
break and after regular working hours. In accordance with pertinent civil 
service rules.  
 
f. Identification of public employees. - All employees transacting with the 
public shall be provided with an official identification card which should be 
publicly accessible through the online portal.  
 
 
Government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities mandated under this Act 
to provide and deliver public services through the portal shall not in any way require 


 
 
 
 
the person requesting for such public service to physically go and report to the 
physical office of such agency, office, or instrumentality where the purpose of such 
physical presence may be reasonably accomplished through the online portal. 
 
The Government Online Payment System  
 
SEC. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the 
online portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an 
internet-based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and 
businesses to remit payments through digital platforms to the government agencies 
to which such payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the 
services of and Interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities, 
in accordance with applicable laws and rules.  
 
The Citizens' Concerns Portal  
 
SEC. 28. The Citizens' Concerns Center. - There is hereby established a Citizens' 
Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic 
Act No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or misconduct on the part 
of any government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation, government 
financial institution, and other instrumentalities of the government or any of its 
officers, officials, or employees.  
 
 
The Center shall be under the direction and supervision of the Office of the 
Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local 
government units.  
 
SEC. 29. Integration with existing public feedback mechanisms. - All existing 
public feedback mechanisms for similar purposes established and/or maintained by 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, and local government units, shall be fully 
integrated with the Center. For this purpose and in accordance with the objectives 
of this Act, the Center may enter into such arrangements as are necessary for the 
interconnection, 
interoperability, 
and 
Integration 
of 
the 
public 
feedback 
mechanisms.  
 


 
 
 
 
SEC. 30. Integration with the interna! government network and database. - 
The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its operations shall be fully 
integrated with the internal government network and database for real time updating 
of data and information.  
 
SEC. 31. Minimum operating standards. - The Center, including its sub 
operational units, shall have the following minimum operating standards:  
 
a. Communications channels. - The Center shall provide communications 
channels which include but are not limited to the following:  
1. Telephone;  
2. Short message service (SMS) or text message service:  
3. Electronic mail (email);  
4. Social media; or  
5. Other emerging communications media which can reasonably be 
used to fulfill the purposes of the Center.  
 
b. Operating hours. - The Center shall operate, through any of its 
communications channels, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a 
week, including national holidays and days In which work is suspended for 
whatever reason, for which purpose the Center may establish effective 
measures and hire the necessary personnel:  
 
c. Process flow. - A citizen's concern received through any of the 
communications channels shall immediately be encoded onto the Philippine 
Information Database and referred, directly or indirectly, in real time, to the 
concerned agency, office, or instrumentality for appropriate action through 
the Internal government network. The complainant shall be given advice or 
feedback on the status of the concern until its resolution:  
 
d. Period to take action. - A citizen's concern iodged and received through any 
of the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific action 
within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government agency 
or instrumentality. For purposes of this provision, the period provided shall 
exclude such time outside the normal office hours of the agency or office 
concerned.  


 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and local government units. - To 
ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously in accordance with the 
objectives 
of 
this 
Act, 
all 
national 
government 
agencies, 
offices, 
and 
instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations, government 
financial institutions, as well as the local government units, are enjoined to cooperate 
and coordinate with the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and each other to ensure 
prompt action on the concerns received through the communications channels of 
the Center. 
 
Chapter 6  
The Philippine CitizenConnect Program 
 
SEC. 33. The Philippine CitizenConnect Program. - The government shall 
establish a program, to be known as the "Philippine CitizenConnect," to assist and 
help the public to who does not have access to, or need help with using computers, 
the internet, and other analogous means to transact with and request the delivery of 
public services from the government in their localities.  
  
SEC. 34. Free access to the internet for the public. - Pursuant to Republic Act 
No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, the government, through 
the DICT, shall establish a program that will provide free access to Internet service 
in public places, with particular focus on unserved or underserved areas, throughout 
the country, to enable access to the online portals, promote knowledge-building 
among citizens, and enable them to participate and compete in the evolving 
information and communication age.  
 
 
 
SEC. 35. Provision and maintenance of internet-capable devices in all s 
barangay centers. - All barangay centers in the country shall provide and maintain 
internet-capable devices such as but not limited to computers and tablets for the 
purpose of enabling efficient and timely access to government services.  
 
SEC. 36. Staffing requirement for internet access. - All barangay centers shall 
ensure that there will be government staff present to help the public access the 


 
 
 
 
government portal and perform online transactions with government agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities. 
 
Chapter 7  
The Government Websites and E-Bulletin Boards 
 
SEC. 37. The Government E-Bulletin Board. - The government and all its agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities, including local governments, shall each establish and 
maintain a website and an e-bulletin board for the purposes of information sharing 
and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to ensure accessibility 
and security.  
 
SEC. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. - All 
government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are mandated by the laws 
or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other 
information intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to 
the traditional modes therefore, publish such notices, documents, or other 
information on the website and e-bulletin board.  
 
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with 
laws and rules requiring publication: provided, that such website or e-bulletin board 
is accessible at such point in time where accessibility is claimed. For purposes of 
this provision, the start of publication shall be the date on which the notice, 
document, or information was first uploaded and made accessible to the public. 
 
SEC. 39. Minimum standards for government websites and information 
portals. - The following shall be the minimum standards for government websites 
and information portals:  
 
a. It shall include direct and easily Identifiable links to (i) description of the 
mission, statutory authority, and the organizational structure of the agency: 
and (ii) commonly asked questions and the corresponding answers, and other 
common matters of public concern: and  
 


 
 
 
 
b. It shall Include direct and easily identifiable links to the relevant and 
applicable portals for the delivery of public services. 
 
Chapter 8  
Security and Privacy 
 
SEC. 40. Data and information security. - All resources, information, or data 
stored on or transmitted through the IGN and all networks Interconnected to and 
Interoperable with it, the Philippine Information Database, the Public Service 
Directory, the portals, and websites shall be kept secure and free from Interference 
or unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of 
the information and communication technology assets.  
 
 
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance 
with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and 
the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.  
 
 
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the 
compromise of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected 
to and interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shail 
incur criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or 
relevant penal laws.  
 
 
SEC. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government - All agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act 
shall be responsible for:  
 
a. Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, 
disruption, modification, or destruction of Information collected or maintained 
by or on behalf of the agency: and information systems used or operated by 
an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of 
agency;  
 


 
 
 
 
b. Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such 
information and Information systems and implementing the same;  
 
c. Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and 
techniques to ensure that they are effectively implemented;  
 
d. Complying with the requirements of pertinent laws on information security 
and privacy, related policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. Including 
information security standards promulgated by the Department of 
Information and Communications Technology: and information security 
standards and guidelines for national security systems issued in accordance 
with law and as directed by the President; and  
 
e. Ensuring that information security management processes are Integrated 
with agency strategic and operational planning processes. 
 
Chapter 9  
Participation of the Private Sector 
 
SEC. 42. Government cooperation with the private sector. - Nothing in this Act 
shall prevent the government, both national and local, from entering into contracts, 
agreements, or partnerships with the private sector to provide various resources, 
assets, and services in order to comply or enhance compliance with the provisions of 
this Act.  
 
 
Any and all contracts or agreements with the private sector in the context of 
this Act shall be subject to the laws and rules on public accountability and 
transparency and good governance. 
 
Chapter 10  
The Philippine Infrastructure Management Corporation 
 
SEC. 43. The Philippine Infrastructure Management Corporation. - For the 
purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT 
assets of the DICT, and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related 
to connectivity, data center and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a 


 
 
 
 
body corporate to be known as Philippine Infrastructure Management Corporation 
(PIMC), which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. The legal existence of the Die 
shall be for a period of 50 years from the date of the approval of this Act. The PIMC 
shall be subject to the rules and regulations as the DICT may impose from time to 
time.  
 
SEC. 44. Powers and functions. - To carry out its main purpose and in accordance 
with applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall have, in addition to any and all powers 
granted to a corporation under the general corporation code, the following functions 
and powers:  
 
a. Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but not limited to the 
National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, and expansion of the National 
Government Data Centers and Government Cloud:  
 
b. Manage ICT assets of the DICT:  
 
c. Prescribe, repeal, and alter its own by-laws;  
 
d. Determine its operating policies, and to issue such rules and regulations 
as may be necessary to achieve its main purpose:  
 
e. Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal:  
 
f. Acquire and own real and personal property, and to sell, mortgage or 
otherwise dispose of the same:  
 
g. Sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and borrow money from both local 
and foreign sources: provided, that such loans shall be incurred only upon 
favorable recommendation of the DICT and approval by the President of the 
Philippines;  
 
h. Hold, own, purchase, acquire, sell or otherwise invest, or reinvest in stocks, 
bonds or other securities capable of giving the PIMC a reasonably assured 
income sufficient to support its activities; and  
 


 
 
 
 
i. Provide ICT counseling and technical services to government and private 
entities; provided, that for this purpose, the PIMC may contract the services 
of private consultants.  
 
SEC. 45. Board of Trustees. — The corporate powers and functions of the PIMC 
shall be vested in and exercised by a Board of Trustees that shall be composed of the 
following:  
 
a. The Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, as the ex officio Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:  
 
b. The Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, as the ex officio Executive Vice Chairman:  
 
c. The Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, or 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member:  
 
d. The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or 
his/her duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio member:  
 
e. One (1) representative from the private sector from the Information 
Technology and Business Process Outsourcing Industry:  
 
f. One (1) representative from the private sector from the Telecommunications 
Industry: and  
 
g. One (1) representative from the local government units.  
 
 
The representatives from the private sector and the local government units 
shall be appointed by the President. The representatives from the private sector shall 
be appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the DICT and the 
Government Commission on GOCCs. The representatives from the private sector 
shall be persons of accepted integrity, probity, and intellect, at least thirty-five years 
of age, possessed of demonstrated administrative skill and ability in the field of ICT, 
and with a minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of ICT. 
2The representative from the local government units shall be appointed only upon a 


 
 
 
 
favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior 
and Local Government.  
 
 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer 
the policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, 
and direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He 
shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters 
which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be 
done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case 
of approval of appointments to managerial positions and above, and the confirmation 
of the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint the personnel 
of the Corporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for  
cause, and prescribe their duties and qualifications. In accordance with existing civil 
service laws, rules and regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified 
personnel may be employed.  
 
 
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.  
 
 
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have 
authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the 
organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to make 
the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the 
Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with 
applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service.  
 
 
The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman 
and one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the 
Board of Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of 
Trustees with the approval of the President of the Philippines.  
 
SEC. 46. Authorized capital stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital 
stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million 
(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine 
Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.  
 


 
 
 
 
 
Of the total capital subscribed by the government, One Billion Philippine 
Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from 
the effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) 
every year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose the amount of One Billion 
Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated upon the effectivity 
of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every year for 
the next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds in the National Treasury not 
otherwise appropriated for the purpose.  
 
SEC. 47. Personnel: cost of administration. — The Board of Trustees shall provide 
for an organization and staff of officers and employees necessary to carry out the 
functions of the PIMC, fix their compensation, and appoint and remove such officers 
and employees for cause. The PIMC officers and employees shall be subject to the 
rules and regulations Issued by the Civil Service Commission but shall not fall under 
the Salary Standardization Law. The Board of Trustees shall recommend to the Civil 
Service Commission rules and regulations for the recruitment, appointment, 
compensation, administration, conduct, promotion and removal of all PIMC officers 
and employees under a strict merit system and prepare and conduct examinations 
under the supervision of said Commission.  
 
 
The administrative expenses of the PIMC during any single fiscal year shall 
not in any case exceed five percent (5%) of its total assets.  
 
SEC. 48. Legal Counsel. — The Secretary of Justice shall be ex-officio legal adviser 
of the PIMC. Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the PIMC shall 
have its own Legal Department, the chief and members of which shall be appointed 
by the Board of Trustees. The composition, budget and operating expenses of the 
Office of the Legal Counsel and the salaries and traveling expenses of its officers and 
employees shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees and paid by the PIMC.  
 
SEC. 49. Removal of members. — The President of the Philippines may, at any 
time, remove the Chairman or any member of the Board appointed by him for, in 
addition to any and all recognized causes for termination under applicable civil 
service laws and rules, any of the following causes:  
 


 
 
 
 
a. Mismanagement, grave abuse of discretion, infidelity in the conduct of 
fiduciary relations, or gross neglect In the performance of duties;  
 
b. Dishonesty, corruption, or any act Involving moral turpitude:  
c. Any act or performance tending to prejudice or impair the substantial rights 
of the government and the corporation's stockholders.  
 
 
The Chairman or member may. In any of the above cases, be civilly liable for 
any damage that may have been suffered by the corporation.  
 
SEC. 50. Timeline of organization of the PIMC. — The PIMC shall be instituted 
and organized within one (1) year from effectivity of this Act. 
 
Chapter 11  
The ICT Academy 
 
SEC. 51. Establishment of the ICT Academy and its purposes. - The DICT shall 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy that 
shall have the following purposes:  
 
a. To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development 
agenda through data collection and globally competitive ICT skills 
development programs and for other purposes:  
 
b. To promote the education and training of citizens in ICT skills, for purposes 
of enhancing the nation's labor capacity in relation to the most relevant and 
updated data on local and international skills supply and demand;  
 
c. To promote the development of globally competitive skills and drive an 
inclusive economic growth;  
 
d. To promote, foster, and nurture the right of all citizens to quality education 
in ICT;  
 
e. To lead the country in setting standards in the development of ICT 
curriculum and training;  


 
 
 
 
 
f. Create and foster partnerships with different persons, entities, and 
institutions for purposes of developing and updating the Academy's resources, 
its ICT curriculum, modules, pedagogical approaches; and  
 
g. To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative ICT 
skills and performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns; 
  
SEC. 52. Satellite units. - The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in particular 
regions, provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon determination of the 
DICT, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority, it is found to be necessary to ensure 
broader access to quality ICT trainings and skills development, and to further 
enhance the Academy's capability to attain its purposes.  
 
SEC. 53. Access and admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all citizens 
regardless of skill, age, gender, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical 
disability, political opinion or affiliation.  
 
 
The DICT shall Institute an admissions process to ensure that citizens shall 
have equal access to ICT education and that the broadest base of the citizenry shall 
have ICT education.  
 
SEC. 54. Finances. - The Academy's operations shall be financially supported by a 
budget from the DICT, reasonable fees and dues collected, as well as through 
donations, in accordance with applicable laws and rules.  
 
 
All income collected by the Academy shall be retained and disbursed for the 
for the benefit of the students, faculty, trainers, and advisers, to serve the 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance needs of the Academy, as well as the 
proper administration of its programs and, generally, the attainment of the purposes 
of the Academy; provided, that such retention and disbursement shall be subjected 
to applicable laws and rules on government audit and accountability.  
 
 
Donations and fees collected shall be held in a fund, to be administered in 
trust by a Committee created by the DICT for such purpose. The fund shall in no 


 
 
 
 
case be impaired. Donations received shall be used only for the purposes for which 
they were donated.  
 
SEC. 55. Partnerships. - The Academy may form partnerships with different 
educational institutions and private entities for purposes of achieving the goals of 
the Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module and 
training development, faculty exchange, 
standards development, 
trainings 
collaboration, and other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the 
Academy shall be In accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, and 
shall not require the disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the government.  
 
Chapter 12  
Miscellaneous Provisions 
 
SEC. 56. Transitory provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act, the 
DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and instrumentalities, as 
well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall study, formulate, and 
implement a master plan for the transition of the government and its provision of 
services in the digital age.  
 
 
For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have 
completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all government 
activities covered under this Act shall be conducted in the manner provided for under 
existing laws and rules.  
 
 
The government shall complete the transition in a maximum of five (5) years 
from effectivity of this Act.  
 
SEC. 57. Regular status reports. - All agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of 
the national and local governments covered under this Act shall submit to the 
Congress, the President, and to the DICT, an annual report on the status of 
implementation of this Act. These reports shall likewise be made publicly available 
on and through the e-portals.  
 
SEC. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act in the national government level shall be charged against 


 
 
 
 
the current year's appropriation of the national government agency, office, or 
instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its 
continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.  
 
 
The amount necessary to implement this Act in the local government level 
shall be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.  
 
SEC. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of Information 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, 
and instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations to properly and efficiently Implement this Act within 
ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.  
 
SEC. 60. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining 
provisions of this Act.  
 
 
SEC. 61. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters of 
instruction and other presidential Issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.  
 
SEC. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days 14 following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national 15 newspapers of 
general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,