ANGARA: E-GOVERNANCE KEY TO FIGHTING CORRUPTION

Increased connectivity among national agencies will boost the administration's fight against corruption, said Senator Edgardo J. Angara who reiterated his call to improve the government's information technology sector and move towards e-governance.

"Nowadays, the Internet has become an important instrument in public governance. It makes processes quicker and more efficient, with less opportunity for malfeasance. It is also an invaluable source for the public's awareness, therefore we must strive to advance the IT arm of the administration, "explained Angara, chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

Events in recent months--like the massive Japan earthquake and tsunami and the continuing trouble in the Middle East--have prompted Filipinos to seek information from the online counterparts of local and international agencies.

Legislators have recognized this need: the Electronic Commerce Act enacted in 2000 required all Philippine agencies to establish their own website to facilitate communication between the authorities and their constituents.

Similarly, Angara's ICT Choice Bill ensures that all government agencies have freedom in acquiring technological solutions.

"Seeing the increasing importance of the government's Information and Communications Technology sector, solutions must be procured based on product quality, taking into consideration the government's current and future needs," explained Angara.

Senate Bill No. 2670, "An Act Requiring Technological Choice in the Government's Procurement of Information and Communication Technology Standards and Solutions" has been referred to the committee on Science and Technology following the First Reading.