Bid for e-service in Cebu City hits snag

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THE ambitious plan to automate Cebu City government services through an AI-powered digital platform has hit a roadblock.

This, after the City Council’s Committee on Budget and Finance said “it could not determine where to source funds for the project.”

In its report, the committee chaired by Councilor Dave Tumulak noted that while the proposed ordinance seeks to streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce transaction times, and improve transparency, it lacks a “definitive technical framework and cost structure” that would allow for a proper fiscal evaluation.

“The Committee on Budget and Finance respectfully notes that it cannot, at this stage, ascertain the appropriate budgetary source or allocation for the project,” the report stated.

The measure, authored by Councilors Winston Pepito and Michelle Abella-Cellona, proposes the creation of a City-Wide Integrated Digital Services Platform that would automate the application and issuance of permits, clearances, and other documents.

The system envisions artificial intelligence (AI) as the “frontliner” for inquiries and transactions, making Cebu City Hall accessible anytime, anywhere.

Pepito earlier explained that the project would allow citizens to pay taxes, secure permits, or request clearances through natural voice or chat commands, eliminating the need to navigate complex websites.

“Imagine just telling your phone, ‘I want to pay my taxes, can you open the page?’ and it automatically opens,” Pepito said.

But before the plan can move forward, the budget committee stressed the need for a comprehensive technical assessment.

It recommended that the City’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS), in coordination with the Committee on Information and Communication Technology, conduct a study to determine the project’s scope, infrastructure requirements, and costs.

Only after this assessment, the committee said, can the council deliberate on funding allocations.

The committee’s report has been endorsed to the Cebu City Council for approval. The proposed “Integrated City Digital Services Ordinance of Cebu City” is still under legislative review.(TGP)