E-governance shift needs legislation

We should adopt a more efficient, responsive and modern ways of transacting with our citizens

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday urged the government to make full use of advances in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) in delivering the various services.

This relates to the call to make the transition to e-governance amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement,

Go said the pandemic has opened realities in the delivery of government service that should be addressed by adopting new technology.

“There are processes in government that can be done with new technology. We have seen in this COVID-19 crisis that there are everyday transactions that should evolve,” he said. The lawmaker said he will file a bill mandating the transition of government transactions and processes into the digital sphere.

According to him, the pandemic showed that e-governance — or the use of ICT for a more efficient and cost-effective government system — helps protect the health of Filipinos. By making transactions with the government faster, we will reduce red tape. By being transparent, we will eliminate corruption.

“Because of COVID-19, we need to evolve the transactions that normally requires face-to-face interaction and it is important for the government to start the transition,” he said.

“We should adopt a more efficient, responsive and modern ways of transacting with our citizens. This will effectively make the government more in tune with the changing times,” he added.

The lawmaker pointed out e-governance will also encourage transparency and accountability in government as it provides the public quick access to resources and information.

“It will also widen the government’s reach. By making transactions with the government faster, we will reduce red tape. By being transparent, we will eliminate corruption,” Go explained.

Aside from that, Go said the transition to e-governance will eliminate long queues in government offices.

He also said the proposed shift has already been implemented in agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue but that a law is still needed to institutionalize e-governance. Go emphasized the proposed bill is in line with President Duterte’s push for the efficient delivery of government services.

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