Only 7.7% of Philippine LGUs meet eBOSS rules amidst digital push: DICT

Only 126 of 1,634 LGUs run digital business shops as the government advances data sharing under RA 12254.

The Philippine government is pushing faster digital adoption across public services, as only 126 of the country’s 1,634 local government units (LGUs) currently comply with requirements to operate an electronic business one-stop shop (eBOSS) system.

The figure was cited by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a message delivered at the GovMedia Summit 2026 on March 17 at Makati Shangri-La. The statement was presented by Henry R. Aguda, secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Marcos said the low compliance rate shows that many government services still rely on manual processes.

“Many government transactions are still characterized by long queues, redundant paperwork, slow processing times, and the need for physical presence,” he said in a recorded message.

The Philippines also ranked 56th out of 69 economies in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the Institute for Management Development.

The government is expanding digital services through the eGovPH, which combines several government transactions into one platform.

The app currently includes services such as driver’s license renewal, business name registration, and NBI clearance applications, along with an AI-enabled eGov system and access to the government’s nationwide operational assessment of hazards platform.

Several agencies have also introduced digital systems in recent months. The Department of Public Works and Highways launched an AI-powered transparency portal that gives the public access to information on infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority introduced an e-Certificate platform that allows people to request birth, marriage, and death certificates online.

The government also launched an Electronic Certificate Payment (e-CP) system, which integrates the submission, validation, and processing of motor vehicle importation records into a single automated workflow.

These efforts support the implementation of Republic Act 12254, which requires government agencies to adopt digital systems at both national and local levels.

Marcos said the goal is to make government services available online and allow agencies to share data so citizens no longer need to submit the same documents multiple times.