Manila to implement e-commerce laws

Filipino President Joseph Estrada has directed government agencies to submit a plan of action that would implement e-commerce laws and regulations.

Manila, July 14 (Manila Bulletin) - Speaking before delegates to the Asian Regional Conference of the Global Information Infrastructure Commission (GIIC) being held in Manila, Estrada said he has also directed government agencies to be Internet-enabled within a two-year period.

With the implementing rules and regulations in place, the government would now accept the legality of issuing electronic documents, receipts, permits, licenses, payments and government functions using electronic data messages.

The plan would be submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Estrada also announced that he signed an Executive Order which establishes the Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council (ITECC), a merger of the National Information Technology Council (NITC) and the Electronic Commerce Promotion Council (ECPC).

The order followed the signing of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the e-commerce laws.

The merger of NITC and ECPC was aimed at ensuring a streamlined and focused formulation and implementation of the country's information and communication technology (ICT).

ITECC would oversee the implementation ICT and conduct periodic reviews and updating of the National Information Technology Action (NITA) agenda and the Government Information Systems Plan (GISP).

It would also formulate a national program and strategy for the promotion of E-Commerce in the country.

To be chaired by Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas II, the ITECC would advise the President and Congress on the policies and plans relative to the development, promotion and application of ICT and E-Commerce.

The other functions of the ITECC include:

• harmonize and coordinate all ICT and e-commerce public initiatives, programs and projects to ensure their consistency with goals of IT21.
• promote strategic partnership and alliances among and between local and international ICT firms and institutions.
• assess, review and provide direction and support for continuing research on various relevant aspects of ICT and ECommerce.
• source necessary funds both from the private sector and public sectors to support the implementation of IT21, GISP and NPS.
• create and maintain a national database on IT as part of the national statistical system.

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