NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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Senate
of the fec 'iflnr/J
H JUL “7 P4 56
SENATE
. No. 194
RHCEIVtD DV:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Long lines have been one of the most infamous symbols of government service 
for the longest time. People losing money, time, and energy just to get a single 
document, submit an application for a permit, or simply attend a pre-scheduled 
appointment.
During the pandemic, major government social services and programs were 
forced to shut down, limiting the public's accessibility to public services at a time when 
the same were needed the most. Limited workforce in different government offices 
due to forced self-isolation revealed the fact that indeed, there must be a way for 
public service to continue despite the lack or absence of physical manpower.
All over the world, several governments opted for a faster, safer, more efficient 
approach to deliver its services. This bill takes into consideration what we have learned 
from the recent pandemic, drawing from the experiences of technologically-advanced 
countries and the best practices of those who have started the push for e-governance, 
to initiate the country's first big step to an institutional and whole-of-government 
approach to digitizing governance for a better government and a safer future.


The new normal demands the government to consider and adopt, in a very 
radical but pragmatic way, the importance of digital transformation and use of 
electronic services and platforms to enable the government to serve the people better.
This bill mandates the government to establish an integrated, interconnected, 
and interoperable information and resource sharing and communications network 
spanning the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records 
management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the 
delivery of public services. It likewise pushes for the digitization of paper-based and 
other traditional modes of workflows for a more efficient and transparent public 
service.
Through this measure, the government will eliminate delays and other 
problems associated with the traditional way of governance in communications and 
resource and information sharing. More importantly, through this measure, the public 
- the pillars of the country's life and economy - will feel that the government is actually 
and truly at their fingertips.
This should have been done a long time ago. Now, more than ever, is the time 
to do this.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHEIvLAWRENCE "BONG" T. GOy


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
of tliCr-pt-in)
■22 JUL-7 P4'56
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
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AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E- 
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "E-Governance Act of
2022.'
Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. - 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;


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b. Promote use of the internet, intranet, and other information and 
communications technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen 
participation in government;
c. Promote inter-agency collaboration in providing electronic government 
services, where this collaboration would improve the service to citizens by 
integrating related functions, and in the use of internal electronic government 
processes, where this collaboration would improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the processes;
d. Improve the ability of the government to achieve agency missions and program 
performance goals;
e. Promote the use of the internet, intranet, and emerging technologies within 
and across government agencies to provide citizen-centric government 
information and services;
f. 
Reduce costs and burdens for businesses and other government entities;
g. Promote better informed and data-driven decision making by policy makers, 
taking into consideration data analytics results;
h. Promote access to high quality government information and services across 
multiple channels;
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


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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 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 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


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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:


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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 coliections 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 
government information and services to those groups.
Sec. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT). - The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) 
shall, in addition to its mandates and functions under Republic Act No. 10844:
a. Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and initiatives to ensure 
knowledge, information and resource-sharing, database-building, and 
agency networking linkages among government agencies, consistent with 
E-Government objectives in particular, and national objectives in general;
b. Ensure the development and protection of integrated government ICT 
infrastructures and designs, taking into consideration the Inventory of 
existing manpower, plans, programs, software, hardware, and installed 
systems;


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c. Assist and provide technical expertise to government agencies in the 
development of guidelines in the enforcement and administration of laws, 
standards, rules, and regulations governing ICT;
d. Assess, initiate, review and support ICT research and development 
programs of the government; and
e. Prescribe, in accordance with applicable civil service laws and rules, the 
creation of ICT-related government positions and corresponding 
compensation rates aligned with the personnel needs of a digitalized 
government, as well as the qualifications, standards, duties, and functions 
essential to the effective development and operation of government ICT 
infrastructures and systems.
Sec. 7. DICT to act as the primary implementing body. -The DICT shall be the 
primary implementing body and principal administrator of this Act. All ICT projects in 
the Philippines shall be done in accordance with the National ICT Development 
Agenda. For this purpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies 
under this Act and ensure that all 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;


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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. Indusivity. - 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


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persons without access to such platforms or channels, and shall, to the extent 
practicable, ensure that the availability of government information and services has 
not been or will not be diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the 
internet; and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government information 
and services more accessible to individuals who do not own computers or lack access 
to the internet or other platforms and channels.
Chapter 2
The Integrated Government Network
Sec. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - The DICT 
shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable internal government 
network, to be known as the "Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act 
as the primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, information, 
and data through and on digital and electronic platforms across all of the government. 
The IGN shall also act as the government's primary and focal information management 
tool and communications network.
Sec. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN - The IGN shall cover all branches, 
agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national and local government, including 
government-owned and controlled corporations.
Sec. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to existing 
government networks. - All internal networks already established and maintained by 
any government agency, office, or instrumentality, including local governments, shall 
upon the effectivity of this Act, enact measures to establish interconnection to and 
interoperability with the IGN.
Sec. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The government 
shall establish, maintain, and support a records management system for the 
systematic, efficient, and cost-effective management of all government and public


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documents and records. All paper-based documents and records shall be digitized, 
migrated to, and managed through this system.
The government shall establish a framework to allow efficient interoperability 
among agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government 
when using electronic signatures, including processing of digital signatures.
Sec. 14. Internal Email Network. - The government shall establish and maintain 
an internal email and communications network, to be known as "GovMail,"for internal 
and intra-government communications, information dissemination and sharing, 
coordination, feedback, and other similar and related purposes. It shall be structured 
in a manner that ensures that the use and operation of such email network shall be 
accessible, safe, interactive, interconnected, and Interoperable.
Sec. 15. Migration, digitization, and automation of paper-based workflows. - 
All paper-based government and bureaucratic workflows involving internal 
communications, information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, and 
other similar and related purposes shall be migrated, digitized, and, as far as 
practicable, automated.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, communication, information 
dissemination and sharing, coordination, and feedback 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


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information and data on citizens of the Philippines, whether residing in the Philippines 
or not, and foreign nationals who enters 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 10173).
All government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities with access to the 
database shall maintain a record of all the instances when, where, and how such 
agency, office, or instrumentality, or its duly authorized representatives, had accessed 
any information or data stored on the database and the purposes of such access, 
including the identity of the actual person or persons gaining access to the said 
database.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the resources, 
information, and data on the database shall be in accordance with all relevant 
domestic and international laws, rules, and regulations on data and information 
privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
Sec. 18. Integration with the Philippine Identification System. - The current 
Philippine Identification System, including its existing and planned mechanisms for 
collecting, storing, and accessing data and information, shall be fully integrated with 
the database, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
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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 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 resources, 
information, and data on the directory shall be in accordance with all relevant laws.
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rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the pertinent rules on 
confidentiality of government information.
Chapter 5
The Government E-Portals
Sec. 23. Establishment of online public service 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 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 porta! - 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.
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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
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the office or agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum time 
prescribed above may be extended. For the extension due to nature of frontline 
services or the mandate of the office or agency concerned the period for the 
delivery of frontline services shall be indicated in the Citizen's Charter. The 
office or agency concerned shall notify the requesting party in writing of the 
reason for the extension and the final date of release for the extension and the 
final date of release of the frontline servlce/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 have requested for 
public services through the portal are attended to and served even during lunch 
break and after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent civil service 
rules.
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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.
Sec. 27. The Government Online Payment System. - In conjunction with the 
online portals for the delivery of public services, the government shall establish an 
internet-based electronic payment system and facility to enable citizens and 
businesses to remit payments through digital platforms to the government agencies 
to which such payments are due. For this purpose, the government may engage the 
services of and interconnect with public and private payment systems and facilities, in 
accordance with applicable laws and rules.
Sec. 28. The Citizens'Concerns Center. There is hereby established a Citizens' 
Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism where citizens may report their 
complaints, grievances, and concerns on acts of red tape, as defined under Republic 
Act No. 9485 and other relevant laws, and/or corruption or misconduct on the part of 
any government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation, government 
financial institution, and other instrumentalities of the government or any of its 
officers, officials, or employees.
The Center shall be under the direction and supervision of the Office of the 
Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and representatives from the local 
government units.
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Sec. 29. Integration with existing pubiic 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 internaigovernment 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 channeis. - 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
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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 lodged and received through any of 
the communication channels shall have a concrete and specific action within 
seventy-two (72) hours from receipt by the proper government agency or 
instrumentality. For purposes of this provision, the period provided shall 
exclude such time outside the normal office hours of the agency or office 
concerned.
Sec. 32. Cooperation of government agencies and local government units. - To 
ensure that the public is served efficiently and expeditiously 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
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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 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-Buiietin 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
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or rules to publish or otherwise disseminate notices, documents, or other information 
intended for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the traditional 
modes therefor, publish such notices, documents, or other information on the website 
and e-bulletin board.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, publication 
of notices, documents, or any other information on the website and e-bulletin board 
shall be construed as sufficient notice to the public for purposes of compliance with 
laws and rules requiring publication; provided, that 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 porta is. 
- 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
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unauthorized access that can hamper or otherwise compromise the integrity of the 
information and communication technology assets.
Access to and use of the resources, information, and data on the IGN shall be 
limited to the government and its duly authorized officers and agents, in accordance 
with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and information privacy and the 
pertinent rules on confidentiality of government information.
Any person who shall knowingly commit an act which results to the compromise 
of the security and integrity of the IGN and all networks interconnected to and 
interoperable with it to the detriment of the government and the public shall incur 
criminal liability in accordance with the provisions of applicable and/or relevant penal 
laws.
Sec. 41. Responsibility of the national and local government - All agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities of the national and local government under this Act shall 
be responsible for:
a. Providing information security protections commensurate with the risk and 
magnitude of the harm resulting from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, 
disruption, modification, or destruction of information collected or maintained 
by or on behalf of the agency; and information systems used or operated by 
an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of 
an agency;
b. Determining the levels of information security appropriate to protect such 
information and information systems and implementing the same;
c. Periodically testing and evaluating information security controls and techniques 
to ensure that they are effectively implemented;
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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 Infostructure Management Corporation
Sec. 43. The Phiiippine Infostructure Management Corporation. - For the 
purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and management of the ICT 
assets of the DICT, and a faster implementation of infrastructure programs related to 
connectivity, data center and cloud infrastructure, there is hereby established a body 
corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation (PIMC), 
which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. The legal existence of the DIC shall
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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. Flold, 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
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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 eYO/Tto 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 rc\exx\ber,
d. The Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management, or his/her 
duly designated undersecretary, as ex officio xwexwber,
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
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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. The 
representative from the local government units shall be appointed only upon a 
favorable recommendation from the DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior 
and Local Government.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer the 
policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, and 
direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. He shall 
have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all matters which 
are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically reserved to be done by 
the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval of the Board in case of 
approval of appointments to managerial positions and above, and the confirmation of 
the Board in appointments to below that of manager level, appoint the personnel of 
the Corporation, remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for cause, and 
prescribe their duties and qualifications, in accordance with existing civil service laws, 
rules and regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified personnel may be 
employed.
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.
The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such 
operating departments as may be set up by the Board. The Chairman shall have 
authority, exercisable at his discretion, to determine from time to time the 
organizational divisions to be headed by each member serving full time and to make 
the corresponding shifts in designations pursuant thereto. The compensation of the 
Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees shall be in accordance with 
applicable laws and rules on compensation in the civil service.
The Chairman of the Board shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-Chairman 
and one or more Vice-Chairmen who shall be chosen and may be removed by the
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Board of Trustees. The salaries of the Vice-Chairmen shall be fixed by the Board of 
Trustees with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
Sec. 46. Authorized capita!stock. - The PIMC shall have an authorized capital 
stock of Five Billion pesos (PHP 5,000,000,000.00), divided into Five Million 
(5,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of One Thousand Philippine 
Pesos (PHP 1,000.00) per share, which shall be fully subscribed by the government.
Of the total capital subscribed by the government. One Billion Philippine Pesos 
(PHP 1,000,000,000.00) shall be paid by the Government within one year from the 
effectivity of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every 
year thereafter for four (4) years for which purpose the amount of One Billion 
Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated upon the effectivity 
of this Act, and One Billion Philippine Pesos (PHP 1,000,000,000.00) every year for the 
next four (4) years thereafter, out of the funds in the National Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated for the purpose.
Sec. 47. Personnei; 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.
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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:
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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.-Ihe 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.
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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.
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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.
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Sec. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of Information 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations to properly and efficiently implement this Act within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act.
Sec. 60. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the 
remaining provisions of this Act.
Sec. 61. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters 
of instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent 
with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.
Sec. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of 
general circulation.
Approved,
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