Digital transformation crucial in improving public service delivery

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill No. 2781, or the E-Governance Act, emphasizing the urgent need for a streamlined, efficient and technology-driven public service framework.

Go, an author and co-sponsor of the measure, stressed that embracing digital governance is not merely a matter of convenience but a necessity to ensure Filipinos — especially those in remote and underserved areas — have access to faster, more reliable and corruption-free public services.

“The purpose of this bill is to accelerate and make government services more accessible through digitalization,” Go said, adding that once the bill is enacted, it will mandate the full transition of various government processes into a unified digital system, reducing red tape, improving coordination among agencies and removing unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.

“Once this is fully enacted into law, government transactions will be faster and it will also be easier for our countrymen to obtain documents and services through the use of technology,” the senator said.

Go also cited that through the E-Governance Act, citizens can expect greater efficiency in availing key services such as health care, education and social assistance, while reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.

“If enacted into law, technology can be used so that long queues will no longer be necessary. There will also be no need to travel far just to submit requirements or inquire about processes,” Go said.

The lawmaker expressed hope that the institutionalization of e-governance will promote greater transparency and accountability in government.

“When there are digital records and online systems, we can monitor transactions more easily. Corruption will be avoided, red tape will be reduced and our fight against corruption will be strengthened,” Go said.

He also thanked his colleagues in both the Senate and the House of Representatives for working together in finalizing the bicameral report, highlighting the collaborative nature of the legislative process.

“Thanks to my fellow legislators in the Senate and the House for supporting and cooperating to pass this bill,” he said as he reaffirmed his support for measures that will uplift the delivery of public services through technology and innovation.

“This is for faster, better and more humane service from the government for every Filipino,” said the senator.

If enacted, the E-Governance Act will institutionalize digital transformation across all branches of the Philippine government. Its core components include the creation of a unified digital platform called eGovPH, a centralized Integrated Government Network that links agency databases and portals, and the mandatory designation of Chief Information Officers in each government department to ensure consistency in digital implementation.

It also empowers the Department of Information and Communications Technology with the authority to enforce compliance across agencies, establishes an e-Governance Academy for digital skills training, and integrates blockchain technology — through a system called eGOVchain — to enhance data security and transparency in public transactions.