The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) welcomed the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12254, or the E-Governance Act, calling it a major step toward accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
“We look forward to the seamless implementation of these rules, ensuring that the benefits are felt by the business and investment community,” the ECCP said in a statement.
Finalized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier this week at the Asian Development Bank headquarters, the IRR signals what the Chamber described as a “turning point” for nationwide digitalization and the streamlining of public service delivery.
For the Philippine-European business community, the ECCP said the development is expected to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s position as an attractive investment destination.
The Chamber has long advocated for the digitalization of government services as a way to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and promote transparency. It noted that the mandate to develop and implement an E-Government Master Plan provides a clear framework for harmonizing digital initiatives across national government agencies and local government units.
The ECCP also expressed support for efforts to strengthen the country’s digital workforce, particularly through the expansion of the ICT Academy, which aims to equip Filipinos with the specialized skills needed to manage and sustain digital infrastructure.
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government, including the DICT and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the effective and seamless implementation of the new rules.
The ECCP is a multilateral foreign chamber that promotes European business interests in the Philippines while fostering stronger economic ties between Europe and the country.
With close to 1,000 member companies and strong partnerships with government institutions, the Chamber serves as a key platform for business dialogue and collaboration, helping translate policy developments into tangible economic opportunities.