DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ACT

BASIC INFORMATION 1. Short Title: Department of Information and Communications Technology Act of 2012 2. Senate Bill No. 50 by Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, under Committee Report No. 53, filed on August 11, 2011 3. Taking into consideration other bills by: Trillanes, Lapid, and Legarda. SALIENT POINTS Organization 1. Secretary of the DICT, appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the CA 2. At least three undersecretaries, appointed by the President, recommended by the Secretary one Undersecretary, a career officer from ranks of existing government information communications agencies, or a qualified ICT professional in the private sector 3. Three assistant secretaries, who shall assist the secretary must be career officers appointed by the President, recommended by Secretary 4. A regional director for each regional office that the DICT shall establish Functions 1. Formulate, recommend and implement national policies, plans, programs and guidelines for ICT and lCT-enabled services sectors to promote wider use and development of ICT and provide increased and convenient access by the citizens; 2. Initiate, harmonize and coordinate all lCT plans and initiatives of government agencies to ensure overall consistency and harmony with e-government objectives and national objectives; 3. Represent and negotiate for Philippine interest on matters pertaining to ICT in international bodies; 4. Develop and maintain national lCT development plans and establish and administer comprehensive and integrated programs for ICT;

5. Promote knowledge, information and resource sharing, database building and agency networking linkages among various government agencies; and others. DICT will absorb the following agencies: 1. Information and Communications Technology Office under the DOST (lCTO); 2. National Computer Center (NCC); 3. Telecommunications Office (TELOF); 4. All operating units of the DOTC with functions and responsibilities dealing with communications The following agencies will be attached to the DICT: 1. National Telecommunications Commission; 2. Philippine Postal Corporation E-Government Fund 1. The DICT will have control over E-Government Fund - a Special Account in the General Fund, created specifically to fund crossagency and citizen-centric government ICT projects created by the E-Commerce Act 2. Shall be used to support and co-finance projects that enable the government to expand its ability to conduct activities electronically and provide frontline services through the innovative uses of the Internet or other emerging technologies