MANILA – The Philippines is set to advance its digital agenda after the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 8468, the eBayad Act, on its third and final reading Monday. The legislation aims to institutionalize secure and efficient digital payment systems across government and business transactions.
Speaker Faustino Dy III welcomed the development, highlighting that the measure supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally empowered government. “The eBayad Act is a crucial step toward transforming Bagong Pilipinas into a Digital Pilipinas, where government services are faster, transparent, and more accessible to citizens,” he said.
The bill requires all government bodies—including national agencies, local units, state universities, and government corporations—to implement digital payment systems for disbursements such as salaries, allowances, cash aid, and honoraria, ensuring direct transfers to recipients’ accounts.
Government agencies must also provide digital options for collecting taxes, fees, and tolls, and recognize electronic receipts as official proof of payment.
The measure encourages small and micro-businesses, including market stall operators and tricycle drivers, to adopt digital payments, with local governments offering incentives and assistance.
“Through digital payments, we can minimize delays, cut red tape, and make public fund usage more transparent,” Dy said. He pointed to the eGovPH app as an example of how technology is simplifying access to government services.
“The adoption of digital payments goes beyond convenience; it helps build a modern financial ecosystem that allows more Filipinos to engage in the formal economy and gain new opportunities,” he added.
elamigo/xf
