Manila: Speaker Faustino Dy III on Tuesday expressed his approval of House Bill (HB) No. 8468, also known as the proposed eBayad Act, which was recently approved on its third and final reading by the House of Representatives. The bill is considered a pivotal step toward achieving President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s aim of a digitally empowered government and economy.
According to Philippines News Agency, the bill received overwhelming support in the House, with 257 affirmative votes, three negative votes, and no abstentions. It is one of the legislative priorities identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Dy emphasized that HB 8468 is a testament to the administration's dedication to modernizing public services and expanding digital financial systems nationwide.
"Our goal in the 20th Congress is to help build the foundations of a truly modern government-one where Bagong Pilipinas evolves into a Digital Pilipinas, where government services are faster, more transparent, and more accessible to every Filipino," Dy stated.
The eBayad Act aims to promote the widespread adoption of digital payment systems in government transactions and among merchants to enhance efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion. It mandates that all government entities, including national agencies, local government units, government corporations, and educational institutions, adopt digital payments for disbursements such as salaries, wages, and other expenditures. These payments can be directly credited to recipients' accounts through electronic transfers and other digital facilities.
Additionally, the bill requires government agencies to offer digital payment options for collecting taxes, fees, and other revenues, while recognizing electronic invoices and receipts as valid proof of payment. It also encourages merchants to adopt digital payment systems by urging local government units to provide incentives and assistance to small and micro-businesses like market vendors and tricycle operators.
Dy emphasized that the measure will streamline government-citizen transactions and reduce the delays and inefficiencies associated with cash-based systems. "Sa pamamagitan ng digital payments, nababawasan ang red tape at mas nagiging transparent ang paggamit ng pondo ng bayan (Through digital payments, red tape will be reduced, and the utilization of public funds will be more transparent)," Dy noted.
The Speaker highlighted that the measure aligns with the administration's ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation in government, mentioning the eGovPH app as an example of technology facilitating easier access to government services. "The shift to digital payments is more than about convenience-it is about building a modern financial ecosystem where more Filipinos can participate in the formal economy and access better opportunities," he said.
"As we pursue the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, digital transformation will be one of the key drivers of a more efficient, transparent, and responsive government," he added.
