E-Governance Act IRR signed, mandates cybersecurity, interoperability across agencies
By Jel Santos
(JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday, March 24, formally signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12254, or the E-Governance Act, mandating government agencies to adopt unified standards on cybersecurity and interoperability to streamline public service delivery.
The ceremonial signing, held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, operationalizes the law aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation and improving access to government services.
The DICT said the IRR requires agencies to adopt common digital standards, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and re-engineer processes to ensure services are more efficient, integrated, and citizen-centered.
“Today, we move from intent to implementation—from plans to real, measurable change in how the government works, and more importantly, how it serves the Filipino people,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.
“This is about removing friction, cutting red tape, and making sure every Filipino, wherever they are, can access government services efficiently,” he added.
The DICT said the IRR also enforces a whole-of-government approach, breaking down silos among agencies and promoting seamless coordination through shared digital systems.
Complementing the rollout, the agency announced the approval of the E-Government Master Plan (EGMP), which serves as the country’s strategic blueprint for digital governance.
According to the DICT, the EGMP outlines key programs, priorities, and governance mechanisms to ensure a more integrated, interoperable, and future-ready digital government.
Key agencies, including the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), expressed support for the initiative, citing the need to align institutional capacity, human resources, and public financial management with the government’s digitalization agenda.
Also, the ADB reaffirmed its commitment to support the Philippines in building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
The DICT said the implementation of the IRR and the EGMP marks a shift toward a more efficient, secure, and accessible digital government, as part of efforts to deliver faster and more reliable public services to Filipinos.