Republic Act No. 12254, or the E-Governance Act, institutionalizing the government's shift to e-governance, was signed by President Marcos Jr. on Sept. 5, 2025. This marks a bold step toward modernizing the bureaucracy, fighting corruption, and delivering more transparent and efficient services to the Filipino people.

The E-Governance Act, applies to all branches of government—from national agencies and local government units (LGUs) to state universities and Philippine offices abroad. It mandates the adoption of secure and standardized digital platforms to streamline transactions, eliminate redundant systems, and promote real-time coordination among government agencies.

But beyond the legal text lies a deeper message: technology is now at the heart of good governance. The promise of e-governance is not just about convenience—it is about accountability, efficiency, and inclusion. Digital platforms are built to track, record, and verify every action—from project bidding to fund disbursement—making it harder for fraud to go unnoticed.

With tools like the eGov PH Super App, launched early this year, which consolidates services such as licensing, payments, and ID verification, there is a digital trail that fosters transparency and public oversight.

The benefits of this law extend to all citizens around the country. For ordinary Filipinos, especially those in rural and underserved areas, e-governance promises dignity and convenience. As President Marcos noted, even a senior citizen living on a remote island will soon be able to access essential services—from SSS benefits to healthcare appointments—through their smartphone. This will eliminate the costly need to travel or wait in long lines.

The integration of the National ID system, now covering 87 percent of the population, into digital platforms ensures smoother identity verification. Meanwhile, government digital payment systems are accelerating financial inclusion and economic activity. Digital payments, as of 2022, account for 42 percent of retail transactions, and this figure is poised to rise further under the government's E-Commerce Roadmap.

For businesses, especially MSMEs, digital platforms cut down bureaucracy, reduce compliance costs, and allow faster permitting, registration, and tax filing. Efficient government systems are essential to attracting investments and sustaining economic growth.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will spearhead the implementation of RA 12254, formulating an E-Government Master Plan (EGMP) that will serve as a blueprint for the development and enhancement of all electronic government service processes and workforce.

In March, the DICT has already launched 25 digital platforms, which includes the E-Gov Super App.

Early this year, the DICT said that more than 440 million transactions have been processed by the government across DICT platforms, and 1,100 government systems have been integrated into the E-Gov Super App.

Critically, the law also mandates privacy safeguards, cybersecurity measures, and ICT literacy programs to ensure that no citizen is left behind.

As the President said, “Digitalization is the call of today.” The law is a recognition that the old, paper-based government is no longer acceptable in an age where technology defines progress.

But laws are only as good as their execution. Public servants must embrace this shift with sincerity, not as a compliance requirement, but as a moral obligation to serve better. Citizens, too, must engage and demand accountability through these new platforms.

Digital governance offers a path to trust, transparency, and transformation. Let us walk that path together—with eyes wide open and fingers ready to tap into a better future.