On September 5, 2025, President Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12254, also known as the E-Governance Act, formalizing the Philippine government’s shift to digital governance. In order to improve the overall delivery of public services through information and communications technology (ICT), decrease bureaucratic delays, foster transparency, and safeguard data privacy, the measure aims to modernize government systems and procedures.
All branches and levels of government—executive, legislative, judicial, constitutional offices, LGUs, SUCs, GOCCs, and other instrumentalities—both domestically and internationally that offer both business-related and non-business-related services are covered by the E-Government Act. Additionally covered are back-end government operations within, between and among agencies, government-to-government exchanges, especially those that deal with data processing and sharing information for policy between and among government agencies, planning, decision-making, and additional government activities.
The primary implementing agency is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Through the E-Government Master Plan (EGMP), it is required to make sure that all government agencies’ ICT projects adhere to a single strategy. In accordance with the goals of the Philippine Development Plan, this master plan will function as the government’s blueprint, integrating platforms, bolstering cybersecurity defenses, and increasing the capabilities of the digital workforce.
The creation of an Online Public Service Portal is among the law’s most noteworthy aspects. For businesses, citizens, and even foreigners living in the Philippines legally, this will serve as a one-stop digital gateway. The public can use the portal to process applications, obtain information, access frontline services, and file complaints or feedback. Existing systems such as the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center and government social media channels will be integrated into this unified portal, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently.
To strengthen digital leadership, the E-Governance Act requires every government agency to designate a Chief Information Officer (CIO) who will oversee ICT planning and compliance with cybersecurity and data privacy standards. Furthermore, the ICT Academy will be expanded into a National Center of Excellence for ICT Education, offering training, certifications, and scholarships to develop globally competitive digital skills among government workers and citizens alike.
The E-Governance Act places a high priority on data protection and cybersecurity. Guidelines for protecting Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), including banking, transportation, energy, and health systems, will be released by the DICT in collaboration with pertinent agencies and stakeholders.
Within 180 days from the law’s effectivity, the DICT must issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to guide national and local government offices in carrying out the E-Governance Act. The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and the government is given one year to complete the transition to E-governance.
The E-Governance Act is a government commitment to revolutionize public service, not merely a technological advancement. The law aims to create a Philippines where government transactions are easier, quicker, and more secure by simplifying government procedures, integrating platforms, safeguarding data, and providing citizens and officials with digital tools.
This guide provides a general overview of the above case at the time of writing only and is not intended to be a comprehensive legal advice. This should also not be taken as an opinion on the topic. For more details and information, you may coordinate with any GVES Law Partner regarding the matter.
Atty. Niña Lyka DV. Galindez is an Associate at GVES Law