0£)
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 318
(©ffi£r of i!ir £■ ■: i>■> 17■
'22 JUL 12 AlO :05
RECEIVED BY
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
rnvcNDTw 
™^IZING THE transitiON OF THE GOVERNMENT TO E-
GOVERNANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
When Covid-19 was first detected in the Philippines in 2020, it triggered 
an unprecedented lockdown, which aimed to contain the spread of the virus in 
our communities. Both private and public sectors were forced to work around 
various degrees of community quarantine measures, the strictest of which was 
implemented on 16 March 2020. Under the Enhanced Community Quarantine, 
residents of Luzon were ordered to stay at home, and were not allowed to go out 
unless it was for buying essential Items such as food and medicine. In order to 
cope with this drastic change, people turned to online platforms for their day-to- 
day needs. Schools allowed the use of online learning platforms; private 
companies provided for work from home arrangements; restaurants, groceries 
and other businesses utilized various online shopping applications; and even 
government agencies, the Senate included, learned to conduct its business using 
video conferencing and email platforms. While transitioning to the new normal 
presented some challenges, Filipinos have now learned to adapt to using online 
platforms for everyday transactions. This pandemic has made evident the 
importance of having such platforms for the continued delivery of much needed 
services to the Filipino people.
To further aid in the shift to digital platforms, this bill seeks to establish an 
integrated, interconnected, and interoperable government network, to be known 
as the Integrated Government Network, which will act as the primary means for 
communication and sharing of resources, information and data through and


on digital and electronic platforms across all government offices. It likewise seeks 
to 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. This is envisioned to promote the 
efficient delivery of public services by ensuring its accessibiiity to the public.
This measure shall complement the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient 
Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, a iaw that was authored and 
sponsored by yours truly during the 17th Congress.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
^^“flGUEL F. ZUBIRI


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. ,*^18
f 4 .'‘I
of tiic & i-i! :'i<irp
*22 JUL 12 A10 :05
RECEIVED BY
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
_______ 
AN ACT
ITHFInTf?TI^A,^Ai[icIlln Ji1 E TRANSITI0N 0F the government TO E-GOVERNANCE IN 
THE DIGITAL AGE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
isfeS^-a/7C'th6 H°USe of RePres^ntatives of the
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SE^Jo?2022 "S/70rf me' ’ ThiS ACt ShaN be knOWn as the "E-Governance
SECV 2' ^t^laration of Pf'icy and purposes. - It is hereby declared the 
policy of the State to recognize the vital r0le 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 comp°titive 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 
gui 3nce to the Department of Information and Communications 
I echnology 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;


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C’novPmmTnf^c 'nter‘a9ei?cy collaboration in providing electronic 
government services, where this collaboration would improve the
fnet7'“|t°icit'zens hy integrating related functions, and in the use of 
,»,teiHa electr°n|C 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;
6. Promote the use of the Internet, Intranet, and emerging 
technologies within and across government agencies to provide 
citizen-centric government information and services;
f enddes6 COStS and burdens for businesses and other government
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;
'■ ^countablenati0nal and i0Cal governments more transparent and
j. Transforrn agency operations by utilizing, where appropriate, best 
m?emCaedonraTandb"C and PriVate SeCt°r or9ani2ations' both local and
k. Provide enhanced access to government information and services in a 
manner consistent with laws regarding protection of personal privacy,
df«hn|aK secur'ty' 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.
“a1;; 
^ USed tWS Act'


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a‘i- "5'Govemance"‘ 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 frorn 
initiation to completion;
c. 
Intranet - refers to a secure and private enterprise network that 
shares data or application resources via Internet Protocol;
d. 
Internet - refers to a secure and public enterprise network that 
shares data or application resources via Internet Protocol.
e. 
ICT assets" - refers 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 
JCI-related programs and delivery of ICT services; and
f. "JCT plan" - refers to the sum or set of goals, measures, strategies, 
agenda, and programs for the implementation of JCT programs and 
projects and the use of information and communications 
echnology, including digital platforms, to deliver public services or
otherwise perform governmental functions.
CHAPTER 1
ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT
SE^m 5m RGsponsibilities 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


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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 Departmentof Information and 
CommunicationsTechnology 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:
i. Agencies shall develop performance measures that 
demonstrate how electronic government enables progress 
toward agency objectives, strategic goals, and statutory 
mandates;
ii. In measuring performance, agencies shall rely on existing 
data collections to the extent practicable. Areas of performance 
measurement that agencies should include customer service; 
agency productivity; and adoption of innovative information 
technology, including the appropriate use of 
commercial best practices;
Hi. Agencies shall link their performance goals, as appropriate, 
to key groups, including citizens, businesses, and other 
governments;
iv. As appropriate, agencies shall work collectively in linking 
their performance goals to key groups and shall use 
information technology In delivering government information 
and services to those groups.
SEC. 6. Role of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology (DICT). - The Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT) shall, in addition to its 
mandates and functions under Republic Act No. 10844:


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a. Harmonize and coordinate all national ICT plans and initiative^: 
to ensure knowledge, information and resource-sharing,
atabase 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 
a^inistration of laws, standards, rules, and regulations governing
d. Assess, initiate, review and support ICT 
development programs of the government; and
research 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 
gualifications, standards, duties, and functions essential to the 
effective development and operation of governmient ICT 
infrastructures and systems.
as primary implementing body. -The DICT 
Sha|| 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 
putpose, the DICT shall establish measures to implement policies 
under this Actand 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
LI Ilb> A\Cl^


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of 
thf q,.Uality' security' re|iability, and interoperability
of all ICT infrastructure and services in accordance with
praec!ticaes°nal °r lndUStn'al standards' specifications, and best
C’ ^ TaPPing into the private sector and enterina into 
tPh^Actr, PS and j0int VentUreS in accordance With the goal^S
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
Lstemslat^nH nfd ■f>,PerViS® the operai 'ons of ICT infrastructure, 
ystems, 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 neces^ry.
SEC. 8. The DICT-Project Management Office. - Within one vear 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DICT shall establish government-
mee DortfSin ana9ement 0ffiCe' WhiCh ShaM Cater t0 and address to 
p rtfolio, program, and project management needs of
government agencies, with the end goal of ensuring that icr
SwCtfohnwSS the. 90Vernment are managed with efficiency and
de £r J °T9r l1ntemational best practices and standards, to 
deliver successful projects, with the goal of delivering lasting
benefits and value through new or enhanced ICT services.
gnri ::pDI.ChT shal1 Provide guidelines on the operation of the PMO 
shall ir the qualifications of personnel under the PMO, who
certifications a^d rninimum , obtain internationally-recognized 
certiticdtions and a required number of units on Pmierr
Management, Program Management, IT Service Management ITIL
Lde ofh2 GrOU,P EnterpriSe Arct|itecture, Risk Management,
.. <^^her simi,ar fields or specializations. For this puroose
^nd StmcSionsyfShad ePSUrehthat courses' multimodal Lining,'
offered f 
develop this human resource are regularly
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SEC. 9. Indusivity. - In accordance with the provisions of this Act 
on the Philippine CitizenConnect Program, when promulgating 
policies and implementing programs regarding the prevision of 
government information and services over the internet and other 
platforms or channels, agency heads shall consider the impact on 
persons without access to such platforms or channels, and 
shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the availability of 
government information and services has not been or will not be 
diminished for individuals and entities who lack access to the internet; 
and pursue alternate modes of delivery that make government 
information and services more accessible to individuals who do not 
own computers or lack access to the internet or other platforms and 
channels.
CHAPTER 2
THE INTEGRATED GOVERNMENT NETWORK
SEC. 10. Establishment of the Integrated Government Network. - 
The DICT shall establish an Integrated, interconnected, and 
interoperable internal government network, to be known as the 
"Integrated Government Network" (IGN), which shall act as the 
primary means for the sharing and communication of resources, 
information, and data through and on digital and electronic 
platforms across all of the government. The IGN shall also act 
as the government's primary and focal information management 
tool and communications network.
SEC. 11. Scope and coverage of the IGN. - The IGN shall cover all 
branches, agencies, instrumentalities, and offices of the national 
and local government, including government-owned and controlled 
corporations.
SEC. 12. Interconnectivity and interoperability of the IGN to 
existing government networks. - All internal networks already 
established and maintained by any government agency, office, or 
instrumentality, including local governments, shall upon the effectivity 
of this Act, enact measures to establish Interconnection to and 
interoperability with the IGN.
SEC. 13. Internal Records Management Information System. - The 
government shall establish, maintain, and support a records


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management system for the systematic, efficient, and cost- 
effective management of all government and public documents and 
records. All paper-based documents and records shall be digitized, 
migrated to, and managed through this system.
The government shall establish a framework to allow efficient 
interoperability among agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of 
the national and local government when using electronic 
signatures, including 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 "GovMair 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!nvolving 
internal communications,
information dissemination and sharing, coordination, feedback, 
and other similar and related purposes shaii 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.
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CHAPTER 3
THE PHILIPPINE INFORI^ATION 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 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.


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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 pi ivate 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
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.
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.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, access to and use of the 
resources, information, and data on the directory shall be in 
accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations on data and
information privacy and the pertinent rules on confidentiality of 
government information. 
y
CHAPTER 5
THE GOVERNMENT E-PORTALS
SE5'a, 23' Estab/l'shment 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 
routed, logged, responded to, and ultimately 
distnbuted to the different government agencies for proper 
handling and resolution, and foliow through if necessary.
SE?‘r 24- Access to and use °f 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 
c annels, and businesses organized and existing or operatina
,A,?rheIhthercWS ,rUleS 0f the Phllipp'nes for purposes consistent 
with the efficient delivery of public services.
Notwithstanding the pi ovisions 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. 
y
SEC. 25. Government frontline services through the portal. - All 
government agencies, offices, and instrumentalities which provide
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frontline services, as defined under Republic Act No. 9485 as 
amended, shall establish and maintain measures to ensure that
tShUrCoughXeeSpoartal.aCCeSSible and CaPab'e °f de'iVery t0 the pubMc
All offices and agencies which provide frontline services are herebv 
mandated toregularly undertake time and motion studies V 
svst^m^ evaluation and improvement of their transaction 
nSsTarv procedures and re-engineer the same if deemed 
transparency maXlm'2e the USe of the Portal efficiency and
ACueSS t0 frontline services. - The foliowing shall be 
adopted by all government offices and agencies covered in the 
immed ately 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. 
aycnues
The responsible officer or employee shall acknowledge receipt 
°i 
aPPl*cat'on and/or request by writing or printing
dearly 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
a^essment of the request so as to promote a more expeditious 
action on requests.
b’ K ,fC50/7u of °mces- - A|l applications and/or requests 
submitted through the portal shall be acted upon by the
ass'gned officer or employee during the period stated in the 
Citizen s Charter which shall not be longer than three (3) 
working days in the case of simple transactions and seven (7) 
working days in the case of compiex transactions from the date 
the request or application was received. Depending on the 
nature of the frontline services requested or the mandate of the 
office or agency under unusual circumstances, the maximum 
time prescribed above may be extended. For the extension 
due to nature of frontline services or the mandate of the office
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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. 
1
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
mcluding 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
he person makirig 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. 
aycuL-y
d. Access to progression of frontline service requests throuqh the 
online portal. - AH offices, agencies, and instrumentalities shall 
make accessible through the porta! 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 throuqh 
the portal are attended to and served even during lunch break 
and after regular working hours, in accordance with pertinent civil
wit-h f Kr K n PJJb,C empl°yees‘ - A11 employees transacting 
KhKh uPU.b!i,^Sha be Provided with an official identification card 
which should be publicly accessible through the online portal
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Sirirf"1 agen,cies' offices, and instrumentalities mandated under 
shall Anot-t^ provide and deliver public services through the portal 
al not in any way require the person requesting for such oublir
t0„,SriCa"V- “I and rePort to O'" physical oS of s“h
nhx/ ■ y'i f Ce, 0r Instrumenta,'ty w^ere the purpose of such 
onKne^orta^SenCe may ^ reasonab|y accomplished through the
SEC. 27. The Government Online Payment System - Tn
se^J!cefIOnthr/lthn the 0nli?e ?0rtals 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 Fo° this
purpose, the government may engage the services of and
fac?litiesninC^ Wlta public, and Private payment systems and 
facilities, in accordance with applicable laws and nhes.
f ESi72p8n;. Thrfitizens'Concerns Center. - There is hereby established 
a Citizens Concerns Center, which shall serve as a mechanism 
where citizens may report their complaints, grievances, and
94856and oth^15 i°f rebtape' as defined under Republic Act No. 
nf relevant laws' and/ or corruption or misconduct on
rnmnn^inriany g°vemment a9ency< govemment-owned or controlled 
corporation government financial institution, and other 
instrumentalities of the government or any of its
officers, officials, or employees.
nffi,-oC ^ u be Under the dlrection and supervision of the 
ffice of the Cabinet Secretary, in coordination with the DILG and 
representatives from the local government units.
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AifC' 2?' Inte3ration with existing pubiic feedback mechanisms. -
pqt-ahMQhl!^ PUbH^ feedback mechanisms for similar purposes 
established and/or maintained by agencies, offices and 
mstrurnentalities, and local government units, shall be fully
!«M-h9rhted KWlth-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, 
mechan1smPcera ty' and integration of the Public feedback
wffh 30‘ Jnte9r3ti°n with the internai government network and 
database. - The Center, including its sub-operations units, and its 
operations shall be fully integrated with the internal government
innfwmationnd database for real time updating of data and
Mm!mun^ operating standards. - The Center, Including
Ser«0OS,Ords: UnitS' 5ha" haVe th'
a. Communications channeis. -The Center shall provide
communicetions channels which include but are not limited to 
the following:
1. Telephone;
2. 
Short message service (SMS) or text message service;
3. 
E ectronic mail (email);
4. Social media; or
5. 
Other emerging communications media which can 
reasonably be used to fulfill the purposes of the Center.
b; ^^Peratln9hours. - 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;
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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;
Period to take action. - A citizen's concern lodged and received 
through any of the communication channels shall have a concrete 
and specific action w'thin 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. 
~~ 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 G
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
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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 baranqay 
centers shall ensure that there will be government staff present 
to help the public access the government portal and perform 
online transactions with government agencies, offices and 
instrumentalities. 
'
CHAPTER 7
THE GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND E-BULLETIN BOARDS
SEC. 37. The Government E-Bulletin Board. - The government and 
all its agencies, offices, and instrumentalities. Including local 
governments, shall each establish and maintain a website and 
an e-bulletin board for the purposes of Information sharing 
and dissemination, which shall be structured and maintained to 
ensure accessibility and security.
SEC. 38. Information dissemination through the website and board. - 
All government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities which are 
mandated by the laws or 
rules to publish 
or otherwise
disseminate notices, documents, or other Information Intended 
for public consumption and information shall, in addition to the 
traditional modes 
therefor, publish 
such notices,
documents, or other information on the website and e- 
bulletin board.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other relevant laws, 
publication of notices, documents, or any other Information on the 
website and e-bulletin board shall be construed as sufficient notice 
to the public for purposes of compliance with laws and rules 
requiring publication; provided^ that s jch website ore-bulletin
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board is accessible at such point in time where accessibility is 
chimed. 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 
portais. - 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
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.
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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 evaluatinginformation 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
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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 Philippine Infostructure Management Corporation. - 
For the purpose of ensuring proper and efficient operations and 
management of the ICT assets of the DICT, and a faster 
implementation of infrastructure programs related to connectivity, 
data center and cloud Infrastructure, there is hereby established a 
body corporate to be known as Philippine Infostructure Management 
Corporation (PIMC), which shall be an attached agency to the DICT. 
The legal existence of the DIC shall be for a period of 50 years from 
the date of the approval of this Act. The PIMC shall be subject to the 
rules and regulations as the DICT may impose from time to time.
SEC. 44. Powers and functions. - To carry out its main purpose 
and in accordance with applicable laws and rules, the PIMC shall 
have, in addition to any and all powers granted to a corporation 
under the general corporation code, the following functions and 
powers:
a. Plan and implement infrastructure programs such as but 
not limited to the National Broadband Plan, Free WiFi for All, 
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;
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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 favorabie 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 entitles; provided, that forthis purpose, 
the PIMC may contract the services of private consultants.
SEC. 45. Board of Trustees. - The corporate powers and 
functions of the PIMC shall be vested in and exercised by a Board 
of Trustees that shall be composed of the following:
a. The Secretary of the Department of Information and 
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;
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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 ab'iity in the field of ICT, and 
with a minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the 
field of JCT. The representative from the local government units 
shall be appointed only upon a favorable recommendation from the 
DICT, the GCG, and the Department of Interior and Local 
Government.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall execute and administer the 
policies and resolutions approved by the Board of Trustees, prepare its agenda, 
and direct and supervise the operations and management of the Corporation. 
He shall have direct control and supervision of the business of the PIMC in all 
matters which are not by this Act or by the by-laws of the Bank specifically 
reserved to be done by the Board of Trustees. He shall, subject to the approval 
of the Board in case of approval of appointments to managerial positions and 
above, and the confirmation of the Board in appointments to below that of 
manager level, appoint the personnel of the Corporation, remove, suspend or 
otherwise discipline them for cause, and prescribe their duties and 
qualifications, in accordance with existing civil service laws, rules and 
regulations, to the end that only competent and qualified personnel may be 
employed.
All members of the Board shall serve for a term of seven years.
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The Chairman and the members of the Board shall act as the heads of such 
operating departments as may be set up by t'le 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 
seivlce.
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 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 
PNlippine 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 ofofficers 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 FIMC 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 mayhave 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 3CT ACADEMY
SEC. 51. Establishment of the JCT Academy and its purposes. -The DICT shall 
establish and develop rules and policies for the operations of an ICT Academy 
that shall have the following purposes:
a. To foster and support the strategic goals of the national ICT development 
agenda through data collection and globally competitive 
ICT skills development programs and for other purposes;
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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 JCT 
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 JCT curriculum, modules, pedagogical approaches; and
g. 
To regularly assess the state of the country in terms of comparative JCT 
skills and performance, and suggest responsive policies to address concerns.
SEC. 52. Satellite units. - The ICT Academy shall have satellite units in 
particular regions, provinces or municipalities in the country if, upon 
determination of the DTCT, in coordination with the Commission on Higher 
Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, It is 
found to be necessary to ensure broader access to quality ICT trainings and 
skills development, and to further enhance the Academy's capability to attain its 
purposes.
SEC. 53. Access and admission. - The Academy shall be accessible to all 
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
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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 entitles for purposes of achieving the goals 
of the Academy. Partnerships may be in the form of resource sharing, module 
and training development, faculty exchange, standard development, trainings 
collaboration, and other similar forms. All partnerships to be entered into by the 
Academy shall bein accordance with the law, approved by the DICT Secretary, 
and shall not require the disbursement of any funds by the Academy or the 
government.
CHAPTER 12
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 56. Transitory provisions. - In accordance with the objectives of this Act, 
the DICT, in coordination with relevant government agencies and 
instrumentalities, as well as private stakeholders and civic organizations, shall 
study, formulate, and Implement a master plan for the transition of the 
government and its provision of services in the digital age.
For purposes of this Act, until such time that the government shall have 
completed the transition in accordance with the objectives of this Act, all 
government activities covered under this Actshall 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.
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SEC. 58. Appropriations and funding. - The amount necessary to cover the 
initial implementation of this Actin the national government level shall be 
charged against the current year’s appropriation of the national government 
agency, office, or instrumentality concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
needed for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.
The amount necessary to implement this Act in the local government level shall 
be charged against the funds of the local government unit concerned.
SEC. 59. Implementing rules and regulations. - The Department of Information 
and Communications Technology, in coordination with relevant offices, 
agencies, and instrumentalities of the national and local government, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to properly and efficiently 
implement this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 60. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the 
remaining provisions of this Act.
SEC. 61. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters 
of instruction and other presidential issuances which are Incompatible or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or 
repealed.
SEC. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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