Philippines ramps up digitalisation with eGov, LGU integration push

The government aims for full integration by 2027.

Philippine national agencies are accelerating efforts to digitise public services, with plans to integrate all local government units (LGUs) into the eGov PH portal by 2027.

The government is expanding the platform through multiple channels, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda told the 2026 GovMedia Summit in the Philippines.

“We will make sure that whether it's online, physical, or mobile, [eGov] services are accessible,” Aguda said in a panel discussion.

The rollout is anchored on the National ID system, with 91 million IDs already issued. “As soon as you have the ID, you can download the eGov app and use it.”

The government is targeting full LGU integration into the platform within the next two years, Aguda said.

However, limited internet access remains a major hurdle to digital adoption. The secretary noted that connectivity gaps continue to restrict usage, particularly in remote areas, as the government works to expand coverage through the proposed “Konektadong Pinoy” bill.

“By 2027, we hope connectivity is pervasive,” he added.

Ernesto Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, said that streamlining and digitalising government processes is the most effective way to reduce red tape— known as unnecessary delays—and combat corruption.

“We take care of the streamlining process, and we recognise the DICT's role in digitalisation,” Perez said.

He added that digitalisation is central to improving service delivery and enforcing processing timelines under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

Perez said agencies are required to follow the ‘3-7-20 rule’, which sets maximum processing times of three days for simple transactions, seven days for complex cases, and 20 days for highly technical applications.

Failure to comply carries penalties, including suspension and dismissal from service, fines of up to $33,493 (Php2m), and possible imprisonment of up to five years.

ARTA said it enforces compliance through Citizens’ Charter reviews and inspections, with a reported 99% resolution rate for complaints.

However, Perez said adoption of digital business permit systems amongst LGUs remains limited despite mandates.

“So far, 129 out of 1,642 LGUs have been certified compliant,” he said. “Our aim is for all LGUs to comply by the end of our term in 2028.”

‘Proactive, streamlined service’

Meanwhile, government institutions are also changing how services are delivered, moving from reactive systems to proactive engagement.

Jonathan Pineda, acting CIO of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), said digital transformation efforts at the agency now focus on anticipating user needs, including sending notifications when members are eligible for loans.

“Our mindset shifted from mere compliance to providing excellent customer service,” he said.

The GSIS is also accelerating product development, reducing rollout timelines from six to nine months to about one month.

Amongst upcoming offerings is a solar loan programme of up to $8,731 (Php500,000) at 6% interest, according to Pineda.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the National ID system is being used to support identity verification across agencies and reduce duplication in government databases.

Henedine Palabras, Officer-in-Charge, Assistant National Statistician, at the PSA, said integration helps prevent fraud and simplifies transactions for citizens.

So far, 48 entities, including both public and private organisations, have been onboarded, including agencies such as the Social Security System and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The PSA is also advancing efforts to digitise civil registry services through the Electronic Civil Registry System.

“We are entering Phase 2, where the National ID will be integrated for identity verification,” Palabras added.

The agency recently launched a digital version of birth, marriage, and death certificates, which can be accessed online and verified through QR codes. To address data privacy concerns, access to documents is time-limited.

“The document is viewable for 60 days and then automatically purged to prevent unauthorised use,” Palabras said.

On the other hand, BIR Deputy Commissioner Rosario Charo Enriquez‑Curiba said the agency now supports 42 digital forms, with additional ones introduced as new laws are passed.

She said the agency is also enhancing system guidance and issuing advisories to taxpayers, whilst expanding infrastructure capacity.

“We have doubled the bandwidth and have a contact centre and hotlines ready,” Enriquez‑Curiba added.

‘Enhanced guidelines’

On artificial intelligence (AI), Maria Victoria Castro, Director of the National ICT Planning, Policy, and Standards Bureau at the DICT, said they are working with the Civil Service Commission to develop a joint memorandum circular to guide agencies on the use of AI.

“This will guide them on how to utilise or develop the solution,” Castro said.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the E-Government Act are also being finalised to standardise systems and cybersecurity measures across agencies.

“Standardisation is necessary for interoperability—this bill is a landmark for the digital push,” she added.