The Philippine government has long been plagued by inefficiency, corruption, and an outdated bureaucratic system that frustrates both citizens and businesses. Despite various “anti-red tape” laws and initiatives, government transactions remain slow, tedious, and, more often than not, susceptible to corruption. One of the most effective ways to address these problems is full-scale government digitalization, yet the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has repeatedly failed to implement a truly seamless and transparent e-governance system.
Globally, digital transformation has proven to be the most effective solution in eliminating corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Countries like Estonia, Singapore, and even Vietnam have made tremendous strides in e-governance, allowing their citizens to process government transactions online without the need for physical visits. The Philippines, on the other hand, remains trapped in an archaic system that requires endless paperwork, redundant requirements, and human intervention—providing the perfect environment for fixers and corruption to thrive.
In recent years, the Philippine government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and enhancing public service delivery. A notable effort is the establishment of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) through the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. ARTA’s mandate includes streamlining processes across government agencies to eliminate redundant procedures and curb corruption. However, despite these efforts, many agencies continue to ignore ARTA’s mandates, and the slow pace of reforms has made minimal impact on actual government transactions.
Another significant initiative is the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), designed to provide a unified national ID for all citizens. Proponents argue that PhilSys will simplify access to government services, reduce red tape, and bolster law enforcement efforts. However, the rollout has encountered significant challenges, including delays in card issuance, lack of integration with other government systems, and concerns over data privacy and security. Despite being in development for years, many Filipinos still do not have their National ID, forcing them to go through the tedious process of securing multiple government-issued IDs just to complete simple transactions.
The Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) is another attempt at digitalization, aiming to eliminate corruption in procurement. In theory, a centralized online bidding system should prevent under-the-table deals, but the reality is that many government officials continue to manipulate procurement processes behind the scenes. The lack of full automation and transparency still allows for human intervention, making it easy for dishonest officials to bypass the system.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Program, established under Executive Order No. 2 in 2016, represents a pivotal move toward transparency. This program allows citizens to access public records from executive branch agencies, promoting accountability. The FOI Portal, an online platform, facilitates these requests, making government data more accessible to the public. Despite its promise, the program’s effectiveness hinges on the responsiveness of agencies and the public’s awareness of their rights under this initiative.
In the realm of taxation and investment, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a tax reform bill in November 2024, aiming to attract foreign investments. The law reduces corporate income tax rates and offers additional fiscal incentives to qualified companies. By lowering income tax rates for registered business enterprises from 25% to 20% and extending tax perks for strategic investments, the government seeks to create a more business-friendly environment. This reform addresses longstanding deterrents to foreign investment, such as high power costs and complex regulatory frameworks.
Furthermore, the government has been proactive in addressing energy sustainability. Recognizing the potential of geothermal energy, the Philippines has been working to overcome financial and community challenges that hinder its development. Efforts include regulatory changes and securing international funding to mitigate exploration risks and facilitate financing. However, community opposition due to safety and environmental concerns remains a significant hurdle, underscoring the need for effective engagement with local populations.
Despite these initiatives, major challenges persist. The Land Transportation Office (LTO), for example, has faced controversies related to fixers—individuals who, for a fee, expedite processes that should be straightforward. This malpractice undermines public trust and highlights the need for continuous reforms within government agencies to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and without the need for intermediaries.
By now it should be clear that the biggest problem itself is the incompetence of the leadership of DICT to actually solve these problems.
What Needs to be Done for Full Government Digitalization?
- Mandate a Centralized Digital Government Platform
The Philippine government must develop a single, fully-integrated digital governance platform where all government services—business registrations, tax filings, permit applications, and even legal consultations—can be done online. A one-stop-shop e-governance system will eliminate the need for citizens to physically visit multiple government offices, reducing opportunities for corruption and bribery. The E-Gov Application of the DICT is a good start but the actual use of the application is very limited and only connects users to the various Government Agencies websites which anyone can do easily by themselves. It has an “AI assistant” that provides answers anyone can easily Google. If the E-Gov application is to make a fully digital Government Platform real, it must be able to do all of the things mentioned here.
- Pass a Stronger Law for Mandatory Digital Transactions
Existing digital government initiatives are failing because they lack enforcement. A new law must be passed requiring all government agencies to transition to digital transactions within a set timeframe. Any agency that does not comply should face penalties. Government workers who deliberately delay digital transformation must be held accountable for inefficiency and negligence.
- Strengthen the Cybersecurity Infrastructure
One of the biggest fears in digitalizing government services is cybersecurity threats. Without proper data security measures, personal information could be compromised, and government systems could be vulnerable to hacking. The government must invest in a robust cybersecurity infrastructure and hire actual experts (instead of political appointees who barely understand technology) to develop and secure these systems.
- Improve Internet Infrastructure Nationwide
A fully digital government is useless if millions of Filipinos still don’t have access to a stable internet. The government must speed up the completion of the National Broadband Plan and expand fiber and 5G coverage to the most remote parts of the country. Without reliable internet access, marginalized communities will remain excluded from digital services, defeating the purpose of digitalization.
- Massive Digital Literacy and Public Awareness Campaigns
Even if a digital government system is implemented, it will be useless if people don’t know how to use it. The government must invest in nationwide digital literacy training, teaching Filipinos how to safely and effectively use e-governance platforms. This will reduce resistance to digitalization, particularly among older generations and those in rural areas who are less familiar with technology.
Despite the DICT’s repeated failures, digital transformation is still the most powerful solution to eliminate corruption, improve efficiency, and make life easier for all Filipinos. The problem is not the lack of technology—it is the lack of political will. Government agencies remain comfortable with outdated processes because inefficiencies allow corrupt practices to thrive. Most Philippine Government agencies still use the typewriter, including the DICT itself. Can anyone believe this? But it’s true because I used to work there. This must change.
If the Marcos administration truly cares about progress, it must push for full government digitalization now. The longer the government delays, the harder it will be to catch up with the rest of the world. The choice is clear: will BBM’s administration be remembered as the one that finally modernized the Philippines, or will it go down in history as yet another administration that let corruption and inefficiency continue unchecked because it did not have the political will to go fully digital?
————————————
Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a veteran Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, systems design, and diverse computer technologies.
