Transition to e-governance pushed
Almost every transaction now is done online, that is why there is a need for such a transition in government
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go emphasized the need for the government to transition to e-governance, saying it will improve the efficiency of government processes and transactions and curb red tape.
“Almost every transaction now is done online, that is why there is a need for such a transition in government. Getting documents such as birth certificates and applying for licenses should now be done online to minimize face to face transactions. We don’t need to fall in line anymore and we’ll be able to cut red tape,” go explained.
Hours before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address last week, Go filed a measure institutionalizing the transition of the government to e-governance in the digital age amid the current challenges caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
With e-health platforms, patients experiencing minor health issues can avoid needlessly going to hospitals and lessen their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Senate Bill 1738, or the E-Governance Act of 2020, mandates the government to establish an integrated, interconnected and interoperable information- and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local governments; internal records management information system; information database; and digital portals for the delivery of public services.
The measure likewise pushes for the digitization of paper-based and other traditional modes of workflows for more efficient and transparent public services.
In the explanatory note of the bill, Go states the transition of the government to the digital age has been a long time coming.
“In an age where almost everything can be done online and through other digital platforms, the government must harness the power of information and communications technology to better serve its purpose and bring the government closer to the people,” he explained.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go explained the shift to e-governance can also cover the delivery of various medical and health care services to make them more efficient and accessible to Filipinos.
He expressed his agreement with consumer groups promoting the digitalization of health services, noting the increasing relevance and rising demand for digital systems and telehealth services in addressing minor health concerns. With e-health platforms, patients experiencing minor health issues can avoid needlessly going to hospitals and lessen their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other serious infections.
In a recent online seminar entitled “Healthscape PH: Harnessing the Power of AI and Mobile Health in Transforming PH Healthcare,” the responses of the participants indicated people are likely to continue using telemedicine and e-services even after a vaccine for COVID-19 is discovered and made available to the public.
The Department of Health has already started promoting telehealth services within the National Capital Region. They are expected to expand the services to other regions.
Go further explained that due to the electronic nature of e-governance, service delivery to citizens will be facilitated in a more timely, cost effective and efficient manner. Filipinos will also be empowered through better access to government information with less bureaucratic delays.
The senator stressed during the interview that government policies should benefit everyone, especially in light of the pandemic. He added no one should be left behind and that the government must always prioritize the welfare of the poorest of the poor since they need government attention the most.
Over the weekend, Senator Go appealed to the government to add more funds for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines in order to make available more vaccines, particularly for the poorest of the poor and vulnerable sectors. The finance department has earlier announced that it earmarked P20 billion for the procurement of said vaccine to cover twenty million Filipinos.