DILG chief bats for digitalization to streamline LGU paperwork

DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla answers questions from the media during a Palace press briefing in Manila City on Monday, January 13, 2025. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla aims to streamline paperwork for local chief executives through digitalization by June 2025.

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) statement on Friday, Remulla is in talks with the Commission on Audit and the Civil Service Commission to simplify processing documents for local government units (LGUs).

“We (DILG) would come up with a program. By June 30, 2025, the papers you sign for 15 hours a week, we will reduce to just one hour a week,” Remulla said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“By digitalization, simplifying the forms, that’ll all be simplified into one hour a week,” he added.

In his 2022 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed for the government to digitize services and make them more accessible.

READ: Gov’t must digitize, make services more accessible – Bongbong Marcos

Remulla cited his experience as Cavite governor before becoming DILG chief.

“You are the direct link to the people, you serve every day. Let’s make our life simpler and lead more effectively,” he addressed local chief executives.