Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law the E-Governance Act or Republic Act 12254, a measure that seeks to make government services accessible anytime and anywhere through digital platforms.
The law, signed on Sept. 5, mandates all government offices — from national agencies to local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and even Philippine offices abroad — to shift to secure and unified online systems. This means transactions such as permits, payments, and access to frontline services will gradually move online.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will lead the rollout of the new system and ensure that agencies’ projects follow a national digital master plan.
Within a year, a centralized E-Governance Project Management Office will be created to oversee the digital shift across agencies.
Among the programs covered are:
- Citizen Frontline Delivery Services Platform – an online hub for basic government services
- e-LGU System – a unified platform for local government transactions
- Digital Payment Systems – secure electronic options for government fees
- Online Public Service Portals – one-stop access to various government services
- Philippine Digital Health System – improved access to health services through digital tools
To ensure no community is left behind, the law allows partnerships with private Internet providers to expand connectivity, especially in underserved and remote areas. The Free Public Internet Access Fund will also be used to provide Wi-Fi in public spaces.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who co-authored the measure, said the law will make government services more convenient and transparent.
“Government services will become easier and more reliable. People will no longer need to travel far or wait in long lines. Our fellow citizens will also be able to save money,” Gatchalian said.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate ICT committee, added that the reform goes beyond efficiency.
“The E-Governance Law is not just about faster systems — it’s about serving people better. By making government more transparent, accessible, and connected, we give Filipinos more time, more trust, and more dignity,” he said.
The law also places strong emphasis on data privacy and security, requiring mandatory privacy risk assessments and internationally recognized cybersecurity standards to protect citizens’ personal information.
The new law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
