The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TWALA, a digital signature and identity startup on April 25, 2024 to secure electronic signatures (e-signatures) for 300 ARTA employees.
The partnership aims to digitize ARTA’s internal processes through a pilot implementation plan (PIP).
Around 300 ARTA employees will receive free access to TWALA’s signing platform for two months, along with training and support.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez highlighted the potential of the collaboration to streamline government services.
“This is a step towards the direction we’re pushing for under the President’s directive for all government processes to be streamlined and digitalized,” he said.
TWALA earlier partnered with other agencies including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) and the Senate.
“The current administration aims to digitalize basically everything, and with ARTA as the main implementer of the ease of doing business, it cements our position to be able to help not just ARTA, but the rest of the bureaucracy, the rest of the government, eventually to help the general public,” said TWALA chief executive Jeffrey Reyes.
Supported by the DOST’s startup grant fund program, TWALA offers a tamper-proof, legally binding and secure electronic signature solution powered by blockchain smart contracts.
It is fully compliant with the Philippines’ Electronic Commerce Act (RA 8792), the Supreme Court’s Rules on Electronic Evidence and major eSignature laws worldwide.
TWALA is a member of the Cloud Signature Consortium (CSC), which promotes the adoption of e-signatures and develops secure authentication solutions.
