The Philippines Is Stuck in Red Tape. Can Tech Set Us Free?

(A Commentary Inspired by VP Sara Duterte’s Statement)

The Philippines has long struggled with slow and outdated governance. Red tape remains one of the biggest obstacles to progress. A 2024 World Bank survey found that Filipino citizens spend an average of 33 hours completing basic government transactions that should take less than half a day. In 2023, the country ranked 116th out of 190 nations in ease of doing business. These numbers reflect the everyday frustration of a people who want to move forward but are trapped in a broken system.

Corruption continues to erode public trust and drain national resources. The Commission on Audit reported nearly ₱54 billion in unliquidated government funds last year. A Pulse Asia survey conducted in October 2025 revealed that 85% of adult Filipinos believe corruption in government has worsened over the past 12 months. The issue is not only moral but also structural. When systems depend on paper trails, manual signatures, and personal connections, accountability weakens and inefficiency thrives.

Service delivery remains painfully slow. About 72 percent of households still need to visit government offices in person to process basic documents such as certificates or clearances. Many lose valuable workdays and income just to accomplish tasks that digital systems could finish in minutes.

This is the reality that Vice President Sara Duterte addressed when she said, “Digital transformation is our tool for good governance.” Her message is more than a slogan. It is a call to rebuild government systems that work for the people.

Digital transformation is not just about using new technology. It is about creating a culture of transparency and speed. Automated systems can track every peso spent and every service delivered. Online platforms can reduce human discretion, cutting opportunities for bribery. During disasters, real-time data can guide faster response and smarter recovery.

Other countries have proven that this approach works. Vietnam’s national e-government portal saved more than 200 million US dollars in administrative costs in two years. Estonia digitized almost all of its public services and cut corruption incidents by half. Modernization is not a luxury anymore. It is a necessity for survival.

The Philippines is starting to move in the same direction. The eGov PH App already connects citizens to more than 100 government services. The national digital ID is being rolled out across the country. The new Konektadong Pinoy Act aims to expand internet access to the farthest communities. These are good steps but success depends on discipline and follow-through.

VP Sara Duterte’s statement reminds us that leadership today requires both vision and courage. Technology can fix systems only if leaders and workers use it with honesty and purpose. Digital transformation, when guided by integrity, can make government faster, cleaner, and more humane.

The choice before us is simple. Stay in the past and remain stuck in paperwork, or move forward and build a nation where transparency and efficiency are a way of life.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this commentary belong solely to the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of GenY&Z or any affiliated organizations. All data and figures cited are drawn from publicly available and verifiable sources.