President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law that requires the Philippine government agencies to digitize its processes online.
Officially called the E-Governance Act, directs a full digital transformation across all levels of government. This applies to national departments, local governments, public universities, and embassies overseas. The change is designed to allow Filipinos to complete tasks like applying for permits or paying fees on the internet without having to visit a physical office.
Leading this nationwide effort is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The agency is tasked with creating a special management office within the next twelve months to coordinate the transition and ensure all new digital projects follow a single, cohesive plan.
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Key initiatives outlined in the law include creating a one-stop website for essential services, a standardized system for local government transactions, and secure online methods for payments. It also calls for the development of a national digital health network to make medical services more accessible.
The law also includes strict rules to safeguard citizen data. It mandates regular privacy checks and requires all new systems to adhere to global cybersecurity standards to prevent the misuse of personal information.