
Gov’t digitalization bill defended
SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday defended Senate Bill 2781 or the proposed “E-Governance Act,” which seeks to require all government agencies to digitalize through a single integrated network and legal framework.
During the plenary debate on the bill on January 15, Cayetano, who chairs the Committee on Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of interoperability for faster public service and efficient record-keeping.
“It is not per se the solution to all of our problems, but it is a tool that, if used effectively and assigned properly to various agencies, can address many of our challenges today,” he said.
Senate Bill 2781 or the proposed “E-Governance Act” mandates all agencies to adopt a unified digital system.
It also aims to make government services more transparent, accessible, and user-friendly.
The bill consolidates services via the eGovPH app, benefiting citizens and OFWs. Each agency is to appoint a Chief Information Officer to oversee digitalization efforts.
The bill aims to connect government services through an “Integrated Government Network” (IGN), a secure system where websites and apps from different agencies can seamlessly interact.
According to Cayetano, this will allow easier access to data and information across all agencies.
To support this, the bill proposes institutionalizing a national framework to guide agencies on the technical and informational standards needed for smooth integration.
Cayetano noted that while the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) currently has an e-governance master plan, agencies are not required to follow it.
“Under existing law, the DICT cannot really dictate or require government departments to integrate,” he explained.
If passed, the bill would make digital integration mandatory, ensuring compatibility across government platforms.
It also proposes creating a Records and Knowledge Management Information System to efficiently manage government documents, records, and services.
Part of the initiative includes onboarding all government agencies to the eGovPH app, simplifying transactions for citizens.
Cayetano cited overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as a key example of those who would benefit, highlighting how interoperability would eliminate the need to navigate multiple agency-specific apps.
“The Department of Migrant Workers wants their own app. But if you’re an OFW at the airport dealing with separate apps for Immigration, Migrant Workers, SSS, and others, it becomes more confusing,” he said.
To ensure digital systems improve service delivery rather than create more problems, the DICT will work with agencies and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to establish standards and address potential issues.