Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a new law, Republic Act (RA) 12254, to institutionalize the shift to e-governance across all branches of government in the Philippines. The objective is to create a digitally empowered and integrated government framework through a regulated and secure information and communications technology (ICT) system.
According to Philippines News Agency, RA 12254, signed on September 5, mandates the application of e-governance to all executive, legislative, judicial, and constitutional offices, including local government units, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations. The law also extends to government instrumentalities both in the Philippines and abroad, covering various business and non-business-related transactions.
The legislation targets back-end operations within and between government agencies, promoting data sharing and coordination for policy-making, planning, and decision-making. It ensures that fiscal and administrative autonomy and independence of government entities are preserved.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is designated as the lead implementing body for RA 12254. It is tasked with ensuring that all ICT projects align with the National ICT Development Agenda and E-Government Master Plan. The law mandates the DICT to harmonize national and local ICT projects with overarching ICT plans.
Within a year of RA 12254's implementation, a unified E-Governance Project Management Office (EGov UPMO) will be established to oversee the portfolio, program, and project management across agencies. The EGov UPMO will ensure that ICT projects adhere to international best practices and standards.
The DICT will draft and promote an E-Government Master Plan (EGMP) to guide the development and enhancement of electronic government service processes and workforce. The department will also develop E-Government Programs (EGPs), which will be updated regularly in consultation with stakeholders. EGPs will encompass various platforms and systems, including the Citizen Frontline Delivery Services Platform, Electronic Local Government Unit System, and Government Digital Payment Systems, among others.
The DICT will conduct mandatory Privacy Impact Assessments on proposed systems that process personal data, following National Privacy Commission guidelines. This aims to identify privacy risks and establish control frameworks according to data privacy and cybersecurity standards.
The law prescribes minimum information security standards for E-Government systems, aligned with international standards and relevant laws. Guidelines for protecting critical government information infrastructure will be issued in coordination with relevant agencies.
Subject to compliance with existing laws, the Free Public Internet Access Fund will be utilized to provide necessary ICT infrastructure and promote knowledge-building among citizens. Government agencies are required to enhance their websites and establish e-Bulletin Boards for efficient information dissemination.
RA 12254 allows national and local governments to enter into contracts with the private sector for resources, assets, and services, ensuring these are compliant with public accountability, transparency, and good governance laws. Public telecommunications entities and non-PTE internet service providers can contract with government agencies to build networks, especially in underserved areas.
The DICT is instructed to reorganize its ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau to develop policies for the ICT Academy for E-Governance. RA 12254, made public on Thursday, will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
