Government to boost e-commerce via use of digital signatures

MANILA, Philippines - The government is looking at increasing e-commerce and online trading by beefing up security over the Internet through the use of digital signatures.

President Arroyo signed recently Executive Order 810 entitled “Institutionalizing the Certification Scheme for Digital Signatures and Directing the Application of Digital Signatures in E-Government Services.” 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the EO will address growing concerns over the security and integrity of online transactions in the country.

Under it, all government agencies and instrumentalities are required to use digital signatures in their online services to ensure the confidentiality, authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation of e-government transactions, thus giving the transacting public the confidence and peace of mind they need in doing online transactions with government.

It is expected that many government projects will be generated with the issuance of the EO, which means that more government services will become readily available and accessible online to the citizenry and the public. This will, likewise, create various business opportunities for the private sector.  

The government promised that it will have fully integrated services that will completely address the needs of the transacting public. DTI said e-government services that are secure, transparent, efficient and cost-effective will be available soon. This will make online transactions with government a truly pleasant and worthwhile experience.

Part of this is to stimulate the thriving and flourishing e-commerce environment in the Philippines to further promote the widespread use of e-commerce by the public and stimulate the growth of online businesses by encouraging businesses of all shapes and sizes to venture online.

The EO cites the important roles of DTI and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in the certification scheme for digital signatures.

It designates the DTI, through its Philippine Accreditation Office (PAO), as the Accreditation and Assessment Body; the CICT’s National Computer Center (NCC) as the Root Certification Authority (CA) and Government CA; and all government agencies and instrumentalities with e-government services as Registration Authorities (RAs).