A legislator believes that the Philippines is poised for full digital transformation following the 19th Congress’ approval of a bill mandating the development and interlinking of government computer services into an e-government system.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, voiced optimism that President Marcos will soon sign into law the enrolled E-Governance bill, which the Senate and House ratified and transmitted to Malacañang before the sine die adjournment.
The measure requires all government agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations to adopt digital platforms for delivering public services. Judicial and constitutional offices as well as state universities and colleges will also be part of the e-government network.
Villafuerte said the law will ensure greater transparency and efficiency, improve the ease of doing business, boost investor confidence, and help eliminate official corruption.
House Bill 7327 passed on third reading by a 304-4-0 vote in 2023, while Senate Bill 2781 was approved unanimously in January 2025. A bicameral committee later consolidated the proposals, and both chambers ratified the final version in June.
Villafuerte, a longtime advocate of digital transformation, first proposed the measure during the 17th Congress. He said the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of shifting to centralized online systems when face-to-face transactions were restricted.
