By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order for the adoption of digitized payments for government disbursement and collections.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 170 signed May 12, Duterte directed all departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the government, and government-owned or controlled corporations to require using digitized payments for their disbursements and collections.
The EO aims to promote efficiency in disseminating government services, expedite transactions, boost revenues, and reduce the risk of graft and corruption. It also covers instrumentalities of the government, including state universities and colleges.
All covered agencies are directed to have a digital mode for collecting payments of taxes, fees, tolls, and other charges and impositions.
It noted that “the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the benefits of utilizing digital payment services across various sectors, as it enabled a fast, convenient, secure and transparent mode of delivering government services and transacting business.”
Meanwhile, a Technical Working Group will be established to provide guidance and promote cost-efficiency and transparency on digital payment solutions, to be composed of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Bureau of Treasury, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Government Procurement Policy Board Technical Support Office. – ag
