Yamsuan optimistic on passage of e-governance law to modernize delivery of public services

With the proposed E-Governance Act in its final stages in the congressional process, Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan is optimistic that the 19th Congress can still pass this measure into law to usher in a new era of improved government efficiency and modernized public services.

Yamsuan said the proposed law aims to transition government services to digitalization to make their delivery more convenient, accessible and transparent.

“Our ultimate goal in passing the E-Governance Act into law is better public service for Filipinos. The use of technology will eliminate long lines and long waiting times and do away with going through various tedious processes just to access government services,” said Yamsuan, one of the principal authors of the bill in the House of Representatives.

Both the House and the Senate have already approved their respective versions of the e-governance measure on third and final reading. A conference committee requested by the House on January 28 and agreed to by the Senate on February 3 will reconcile conflicting provisions of the two versions when Congress resumes session in June.

The E-Governance Act is among the priority bills of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“We are hopeful that the remaining session days of the 19th Congress will be enough for the Senate and the House to come up with a version acceptable to both chambers, so that the final enrolled bill can be submitted in time for signing by the President into law,” Yamsuan said.

The Congress adjourned on February 8 and will resume session on June 2 up to June 13, 2025.

While several national government offices and local government units have already been utilizing digital tools to streamline government processes, these need to be unified and integrated into a single network so that all agencies can be connected and can share data securely and more efficiently, which the proposed E-Governance law aims to achieve, Yamsuan said.

Yamsuan said that in his own capacity, he has been spearheading initiatives at the local government level to make the delivery of the government’s social protection programs more inclusive, convenient and targeted through the use of online platforms.

He cited as examples the Bigay Ayuda at Oportunidad sa Nakababata (BAON) educational assistance program being implemented in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Bigay Negosyo project rolled out in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which aims to encourage micro enterprises by awarding food carts to qualified beneficiaries.

In both programs, which he has helped facilitate for the benefit of Parañaque City’s 2nd District residents, all applicants apply and submit requirements online.

Yamsuan said transitioning the process online has leveled the playing field for all interested applicants, and helped weed out those who have already received other forms of social protection to ensure that other qualified beneficiaries are given a chance as well to avail of government aid.

“In short, nakatulong ang online process para maihatid ang government assistance ng walang palakasan (the online process has helped deliver government assistance with no one being favored or given undue advantage). On top of that, the process has eliminated long queues and waiting times for applicants,” said Yamsuan who is vying for a congressional seat in the May 2025 midterm elections as representative of Parañaque’s 2nd District.

“Our initiatives in Parañaque demonstrate the use of technology for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos. Modernizing public service should be citizen-focused. This should be the ultimate goal of the E-Governance Act when it becomes law,” Yamsuan said.

Under the measure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will lead efforts to institutionalize a national framework for a unified digital government system, which will be updated every three years to keep it in sync with rapid technological changes.

The DICT will guide agencies on the standards they need to adopt to ensure the seamless digital integration of all government offices and allow them to quickly share data in a safe and secure manner.