Capitol services to go digital

Local

LONG queues at provincial offices may soon be a thing of the past as the Cebu Provincial Government implements a measure to modernize public service delivery.

The Cebu Province Digital Services Act of 2025 institutionalizes digital governance across the province. It provides a legal framework for the digitization of government services, particularly in regulatory processes and revenue collection.

The ordinance was authored by Mandaue City Lone District Board Member Malcolm Sanchez, chair of the Provincial Board’s Committee on Information and Communications Technology.

It requires provincial offices to shift key transactions from manual processes to electronic systems, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and public access.

“This landmark ordinance is a major step toward faster, more transparent, and more citizen-friendly services in the Province of Cebu,” Sanchez said.

Under the new law, all provincial departments and offices are mandated to digitize services such as taxation, permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, assessments, and renewals.

Sanchez said the measure will strengthen online transactions, digital payments, and data privacy.

“Through this, online transactions, digital payments, and data privacy will be strengthened to make government services simpler and more efficient for the people,” he added.

Central to the law is the creation of the Electronic System for Regulatory and Revenue-Related Transactions (e-SRRRT), a unified online platform for processing, receiving, tracking, and monitoring applications and payments.

The system will link with the Central Business Portal and the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) platforms of component cities and municipalities for seamless integration.

Documents submitted electronically will carry full legal weight under the E-Commerce Act (Republic Act No. 8792).

The ordinance also allows for online payments of provincial taxes, fees, and charges via bank transfers, QR codes, e-wallets, and online banking.

Digital payment providers will be accredited by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office in compliance with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regulations, and official receipts may be issued electronically.

To protect user data, the law requires strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro will appoint a Data Protection Officer to oversee compliance province-wide, supported by Compliance Officers for Privacy in each provincial office.

The Provincial Information and Communications Technology Office (PICTO) will lead the implementation of a Data Privacy Management Manual, which includes protocols for encryption, secure data storage, access controls, and audit trails.

All digital platforms must follow DICT’s National Government Digital Transformation Architecture, Cybersecurity Framework, and Cloud-First Policy to ensure interoperability and cybersecurity.

PICTO will handle the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the province’s digital systems, while the Cebu Provincial ICT Council will serve as the policy-making and oversight body.(MyTVCebu)