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https://doi.org/10.56556/gssr.v4i1.1204 

                                                                  

 

 Global Scientific Research   89 
 

REVIEW ARTICLE  
 

Digital governance in the Philippines: a scoping review of current challenges 

and opportunities  
 

Eduardo Junio Andaya1*, Russel John G. Orlina2, Ramil G. Ilustre3 

  
1Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, College of Public Administration and Governance, Philippines 
2Don Bosco Technical College, Philippines 
3Bulacan State University, Philippines 

 

Corresponding Author: Eduardo Junio Andaya. Email: eduardo.andaya20@gmail.com  

Received: 20 February, 2025, Accepted: 07 March, 2025, Published: 26 March, 2025 

 

 

Abstract 

The scoping review summarizes the present state of digital governance in the Philippines and examines its effects 

alongside possible improvements and prospects. The analysis of thirteen documents spanning from 2020–2025 

shows digital governance can improve public service delivery through responsiveness and accessibility along with 

efficiency. To succeed, digital governance must overcome adoption barriers and financial capability challenges as 

well as digital literacy deficiencies and ICT infrastructure issues. The discovery of new e-government phenomena 

such as blockchain and artificial intelligence revealed future research gaps. Stakeholders including policymakers 

can utilize these findings to bridge digital governance gaps and establish an inclusive government that delivers 

responsive and effective public services to its citizens. 

 

Keywords: digital governance; public service delivery; digital divide; AI, blockchain 

 

Introduction 

 

Digital governance is transforming public service delivery into technological and electronic based worldwide, 

promising increased efficiency, effectiveness, economical, transparency, and citizen engagement. The government 

has focused on initiatives to allow citizens to unite in the implementation of various government services to ensure 

a harmonious and smoother inter-action. The shift of interface from manual processes to digitalization or 

information technology-based system has its purpose in efficient, effective, and enhanced administration making 

public service delivery, making it a worthwhile investment for the future generation. (Alam, 2010). According to 

the World Bank (2020) in Ease of Doing Business summary, Philippines ranked 95th out of 190 economies 

worldwide; it shows that a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 124, indicated a positive 



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development in terms of ease in doing business, particularly in starting a private industry and dealing with business 

permit along with other licenses. In other words, the digital era has revolutionized the process of government so 

much that it interacts with the citizens and business owners. In an attempt to help the government reduce the 

bureaucracy, save costs, and increase citizen engagement, the government should initiate various forms of 

electronic governance (e-governance) mechanism such as online services delivery platforms that can improve 

efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and accessibility of public services. The Philippine 

government prioritizes digital technology adoption because the nation rapidly develops and maintains high internet 

usage among its population. The Philippine government has launched multiple initiatives for better digital service 

delivery such as the National Broadband Plan and the eGov Philippine program. Future actions need successful 

direction through detailed evaluation of the present conditions of the said initiatives along with current challenges 

and potential prospects. This scoping review provides a synthesis of existing literatures to give an extensive 

knowledge of digital governance in the Philippines, identify research gaps, and inform policy and practice. 

This scoping review comprehensively analyzes digital governance in the Philippines, examining its benefits, 

challenges, ethical implications, and future trends. To achieve this, the researchers addressed the following review 

questions: 

RQ#1: What are the key perceived impacts (benefits and challenges) of digital governance initiatives in the 

Philippines? 

RQ#2: How can digital governance in the Philippines be enhanced to improve public service delivery and citizen 

engagement while addressing ethical and social implications? 

RQ#3: What are the emerging trends in the field of digital governance in the Philippines? 

 

Methodology 

 

a) Protocol: 

This scoping review was guided by a detailed research protocol developed beforehand. The authors confirm that 

this report accurately reflects the review process, ensuring transparency and precision. The review strictly adhered 

to the protocol, and any unforeseen changes to the original plan have been clearly documented. This rigorous 

approach ensures the reliability and integrity of the review findings. This scoping review was conducted according 

to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping 

Reviews) (Morgan Lee, James Gambiza, 2022) guidelines to ensure transparent and comprehensive reporting 

(Tricco et al., 2018). 

 

 



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b) Search Eligibility Criteria: 

Studies were published in English language between 2020 and 2025 focusing on digital governance initiatives in 

the Philippines were included. Gray literature, such as government reports, policy documents, and white papers 

from relevant organizations was also considered.  This review used the "population, concept, and context" (PCC) 

framework to determine which studies to include and how to organize the overall analysis (see Table 1) 

Table 1: Eligibility Criteria 

Criterion Inclusion Exclusion Rationale 

Population Studies focusing on 

citizens, government 

officials, businesses, or 

other participants 

involved in or impacted 

by digital governance 

initiatives in the 

Philippines 

Studies focusing solely on 

technology adoption 

without explicitly 

addressing governance 

aspects 

To ensure the focus 

remains on the 

governance implications 

of digital technologies in 

the Philippine context 

Concept Studies exploring key 

concepts of digital 

governance such as e-

government, online 

service delivery, citizen 

engagement, open data, 

digital inclusion, and 

cybersecurity 

Studies focusing solely on 

technical aspects of ICT 

without addressing 

governance dimensions 

To maintain a focus on the 

governance aspects of 

digital technologies 

Context Studies examining digital 

governance initiatives in 

the specific context of the 

Philippines 

Studies focusing on 

digital governance in 

other countries without 

specific reference to the 

Philippines 

To establish applicability 

of the Philippine situation 

and avoid generalizations 

from other settings 

Language Studies published in 

English language 

Studies published in other 

languages 

To ensure accessibility 

and comprehensibility of 

research findings 

 

 



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Continue table 1. . . . . .  

Time span Studies published 

between 2020 and 2025 

Studies published before 

2020 

To acquire the most 

recent and pertinent 

research on digital 

governance in the 

Philippines, reflecting 

current trends and 

developments 

Types of sources Peer-reviewed journal 

articles, government 

reports, policy 

documents, white papers, 

conference proceedings 

Editorials, opinion pieces, 

news articles, blog posts 

To prioritize credible and 

reliable sources of 

information with a focus 

on research-based 

evidence and official 

government publications 

Geographical location Studies focusing on 

digital governance 

initiatives at the national 

level or within specific 

regions or localities in the 

Philippines 

Studies with a broader 

geographical scope that 

do not provide specific 

insights into the 

Philippine context 

To ensure relevance to the 

specific context of digital 

governance in the 

Philippines 

Database Scopus, Google Scholar, 

ResearchGate, and 

relevant government 

websites (e.g., Official 

Gazette, Department of 

Information and 

Communications 

Technology website) 

Databases or websites 

with limited relevance to 

digital governance or the 

Philippines 

To ensure comprehensive 

coverage of relevant 

literature from reputable 

academic databases and 

official government 

sources 

Areas of Research Public Administration (e-

governance or digital 

governance) 

Social Sciences 

Business Management 

Engineering Technology 

Computer Science 

Studies that do not 

directly address any of the 

key areas of research 

related to digital 

governance in the 

Philippines 

To ensure the review 

captures a broad range of 

perspectives and issues 

relevant to the research 

objectives 



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c) Search Strategy: 

A comprehensive search strategy was developed to identify relevant studies (Moradpour et al., 2025) on digital 

governance in the Philippines. The search was conducted on January 30, 2025, across multiple electronic databases 

including Scopus, Research Gate, and Google Scholar, to ensure a broad coverage of academic literature. In 

addition, relevant government websites, such as the Official Gazette of the Philippines and the Department of 

Information and Communications Technology (DICT) website were browsed for policy documents, reports, and 

other publications related to digital governance initiatives. 

The search utilized a variety of keywords and search terms in various combinations to capture different aspects of 

digital governance. These keywords included terms like "digital governance," "e-governance," "Philippines," "e-

government," "public service delivery," "citizen engagement," "digital divide," "data privacy," and 

"cybersecurity." Examples of search strings used in the databases include ("digital governance" OR "e-

governance") AND ("Philippines" OR "Filipino") AND ("e-government" OR "electronic government") AND 

("public service delivery" OR "online services") AND ("Philippines"). 

The search was confined to research released between 2020 & 2025 in order to present the most recent and 

important studies, the said research must strictly be published in English to ensure accessibility and 

comprehensibility of research findings. To improve the overall comprehensiveness of the search, reference list 

checking and citation searching were conducted to identify additional relevant publications. This multi-faceted 

search strategy aimed to identify all relevant abstract of digital governance in the Philippines for inclusion in the 

scoping review. 

 

d) Data Extraction 

 

The data extraction process is guided by the research objectives and the key chapters found in the literature. Prior 

to the formal review, preliminary searches helped the researchers determine the structure for data extraction, 

focusing on three key areas: 

1. Data from the reviewed documents related to perceived impacts of digital governance: This included 

extracting information on the types of digital governance initiatives, the technologies used, the 

stakeholders involved, the reported benefits and challenges, and the overall impact on public service 

delivery and citizen engagement. 

2. Data from reviewed publications regarding strategies and recommendations for enhancing digital 

governance: This involved extracting information on recommendations for improving digital governance 

initiatives, addressing challenges, and promoting wider adoption of digital tools and platforms. 



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3. Data on ethical and social implications, emerging trends: This included extracting information on 

ethical considerations related to data confidentiality, security, and inclusion, as well as emerging trends 

like the service of AI as well as big data in government. 

All extracted data were double-checked by the researchers to ensure accuracy and consistency. The data were then 

organized and categorized into the relevant thematic clusters identified in the Results section. The systematic data 

extraction process made certain that the review captured comprehensive and relevant information from the 

included studies. 

Results 

a) Search and Selection Results 

The final search was conducted on February 17, 2025. Initially, a total of 51 records were obtained from the chosen 

databases and government websites. After applying filters for language, subject area, and time span, the number 

of records were reduced to 26.  

Figure 1: Selection of Publication for Review (PRISMA-ScR Flow Diagram) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Titles and abstracts were then evaluated for applicability, and 5 records were removed as they were deemed 

irrelevant to the research questions. Full texts were retrieved for the remaining 21 records, and another 8 were 

disapproved after a detailed assessment of their eligibility. This left a final sample of 13 studies included in the 

scoping review. This search and selection procedure is shown schematically in the PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 

1). 

 

b) Documents Ultimately Included in the Review 

The review yielded 8 articles, three reviews, and one documents from website meeting the objective and eligibility 

criteria (Table 2).  

 

Table 2: Documents included in the review 

Reference Publication Title 

(Kiram et al., 2025) Data Governance and Privacy in Sulu, Philippines: Building Trust 

and Ensuring Accountability in Digital Public Delivery  

1. (De Castro & De Castro, 2022) E-Government Initiatives of Local Governments in the Philippines 

2. (Abales et al., 2023) Policy Capacity and E-Governance: 

Assessment of the E-Government services 

of Valencia City, Bukidnon 

3. (Indama & Salain, 2023) Exploring the Impact of Digital Technology on Public Service 

Delivery and Citizen Engagement 

4. (Barrios & Moreno, 2024) Evaluating the Efficacy of e-Government 

Initiatives in Addressing Local Governance Challenges in the City 

of Zamboanga, Philippines 

5. (Bajar, 2020) E-Government in the Philippines: An Assessment 

6. (Ona S. E., 2020) Embracing Digital Government in the time of COVID-19: 

Opportunities and Challenges in the Philippines 

7. (Dacer et al., 2025) Barriers, Strategies and Interventions of Digital Governance in the 

Schools Division Office of  

Camarines Norte Philippines: A Case Study 

8. (Cabughawang et al., 2023) Towards the Development of Blockchain System for Philippine 

Government Process for Enhanced Transparency and Verifiability 

 Reviews 

1. (Palma et al., 2023) e-Governance: A Critical Review of e-Government Systems 

Features and Frameworks for Success 

2. (Indama A. C., 2023) The Effectiveness of E-Government Initiatives in Improving Public 

Service Delivery: A Review of the Literature 

3. (Treceñe, 2021) The Digital Transformation Strategies of the Philippines from 1992 

to 2022: A Review 

 Documents from website 



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1. (Agcaoli, 2020) Digital divide, Lack of Infrastructure hamper e-government system 

 

c) Bibliometric Characteristics of the Research Field 

The 13 documents included in the present review were analyzed on the following aspects: yearly distribution; types 

of documents; authors; countries of affiliation; journals. 

Geographically, the breakdown of the publications under review embraced the Luzon with 4 articles, 1 document 

from website, and 1 review; Visayas and Mindanao with 4 articles and 2 reviews, and the rest are outside of the 

Philippines with 1 article. Although 10 (76.92%) out of 13 publications belonged to Social Sciences/Public 

Administration, they and the remaining documents were simultaneously attributed to other areas: Computer 

Science (2 document or 15.38%), and Engineering Technology (1 documents or 7.69%) 

d) Hypothetical Thematic Clusters  

During the preliminary search phase, the researchers identified potential thematic clusters that were further refined 

and explored during the process of evaluating studies and collecting data. After iterative revisions, the following 

three thematic clusters were finalized for scoping review: (1) Impacts of Digital Governance; (2) Enhancing Digital 

Governance; (3) Emerging Trends (Table 3). These three clusters comprehensively address the key aspects of 

digital governance in the Philippines, aligning with three research questions guiding this review. It covers the main 

findings extracted from 13 studies included in the review, providing a structured and organized frame for analyzing 

and synthesizing the literature. 

 

Table 3: Hypothetic Thematic Clusters 

 

 

Thematic Clusters Cluster Descriptions 

Cluster One 

1. Impacts of Digital Governance (Benefits and 

Challenges) 

 

Examines the perceived impacts (benefits and challenges) 

appertaining to digital governance in the Philippines, 

including its effects on service delivery, citizen engagement, 

efficiency, transparency, and equity. 

Cluster Two 

2. Improving Digital Governance 

Focuses on strategies and recommendations for enhancing 

digital governance in the Philippines, including policy 

frameworks, capacity building, and ethical considerations. 

Cluster Three 

3. Emerging Trends of Digital Governance 

Identifies emerging trends priorities in digital governance in 

the Philippines, including new technologies and areas for 

further investigation. 



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Cluster One: Perceived impacts (benefits and challenges) of digital governance in the Philippines. 

The raw data on perceived impacts (benefits and challenges) of digital governance in Philippines extracted from 

the reviewed publications are stated in table 5. In describing this direction of the study, research boiled down to 

the most prominent features and characteristics articulated in the reviewed publications to the following: 

Table 4: Mapping the publications to the cluster  

 

 

Improved Public Service Delivery 

Enhanced access, efficiency, and quality of public services. Barrios & Moreno (2024) note improved 

administrative efficiency and reduced processing times. Indama A. C. (2023) states that e-government can improve 

public service delivery. 

 

 

 

SN Authors and Year Cluster 1 

Impacts of Digital 

Governance 

(Benefits and 

Challenges) 

 

Cluster 2 

Improving Digital 

Governance 

Cluster 3 

Emerging Trends of 

Digital Governance 

1. (Kiram et al., 2025)  ✓ ✓  

2. (Dacer et al., 2025)  ✓  ✓   

3. (Barrios & Moreno, 2024) ✓ ✓ ✓ 

4. (Cabughawang et al., 

2023) 

  ✓ 

5. (Indama A. C., 2023) ✓   

6. (Indama & Salain, 2023) ✓   

7. (Palma et al., 2023) ✓ ✓  

8. (Abales et al., 2023) ✓ ✓  

9. (De Castro & De Castro, 

2022) 
✓ ✓  

10. (Treceñe, 2021)  ✓  

11. (Ona S. E., 2020)  ✓  

12. (Bajar, 2020)  ✓  

13. (Agcaoli, 2020) ✓   

Total  9 9 2 



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Increased Transparency and Accountability 

 

Creating government processes and data more accessible for the public. Barrios & Moreno (2024) mentions that 

e-Government initiatives, including the e-Services Portal and Open Data Portal have significantly enhanced 

administrative efficiency, reduced processing times, and improved transparency can improve transparency and 

accountability. Palma et al. (2023) highlights the government’s acknowledgement of technology’s role in 

improving public service efficiency, transparency, and citizen participation, leading to the implementation of 

various initiatives and focus on digital transformation within public sector. 

 

Enhanced Citizen Engagement 

 

Facilitating greater citizen participation in government decision-making. Indama A. C. (2023) highlights that e-

government initiatives have the potential to improve public service delivery by enhancing access, quality, and 

citizen engagement. 

 

ICT Infrastructure Deficiencies 

 

A recurring challenge was the result of inadequate infrastructure that failed to meet satisfactory standards, 

including unreliable and slow access to the internet, limited access to hardware and software, and insufficient 

technological resources. This is highlighted by: Camarines Norte SDO case study emphasizes infrastructure as a 

primary barrier (Dacer et al., 2025) as same with the study of Palma et al. (2023) that general review points out 

infrastructure limitations, especially in rural areas. Explicitly mentions infrastructure inadequacy as a major hurdle 

(Agcaoli, 2020). 

 

Digital Literacy and Skills Gap 

 

Several studies emphasized the lack of digital literacy among citizens, government employees, and even teachers. 

This includes the lack of skills in using digital tools and a general resistance to adopting new technologies. Kiram 

et al. (2025) mentioned lack of digital literacy in Sulu. Dacer et al. (2025) highlighted low digital literacy and 

resistance to change among teachers and school leaders. Abales et al.  (2023) noted citizens' hesitation due to 

limited online technology skills. 

 

 

 



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Institutional and Financial Constraints 

 

This includes issues like limited funding for e-government projects, complex procurement processes, and the lack 

of dedicated IT personnel. Dacer et al. (2025) identified institutional constraints including procurement challenges 

and funding inadequacies. De Castro & De Castro (2022) highlighted the shortage of funding and absence of 

website managers in some local governments. 

 

Resistance to Change 

 

There has been general resistance to adopting new technologies and processes within government and among 

citizens. Dacer et al. (2025) specifically mention resistance to change as a key challenge. Barrios & Moreno (2024) 

note resistance to change impacting the effectiveness of e-government tools and systems. 

 

Data Privacy and Security Concerns 

 

There were reports about data misuse and the need for robust data protection measures. Kiram et al. (2025) mention 

concerns about data misuse in Sulu. Indama & Salain (2023) highlighted concerns involving data privacy and 

security. 

 

Digital Divide 

 

There is a growing divide between people who can use technology and those who cannot, and this divide makes 

existing inequalities even worse. Agcaoli (2020) and Barrios & Moreno (2024) highlighted the digital divide as a 

major barrier in integration of new technologies. 

 

Cluster Two: Improving Digital Governance 

 

The raw data on Improving Digital Governance in the Philippines were extracted from the reviewed publications 

are stated in table 5. In describing this direction of study, research boiled down the most prominent features and 

characteristics articulated in the reviewed publications to the following: 

 

 

 

 

 



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Infrastructure Development 

 

Investing in and improving internet connectivity, hardware, and software. Dacer et al. (2025) recommend 

improving internet connectivity and access. Palma et al. (2023) imply the necessity of continued expenditure on 

ICT infrastructure. 

 

Capacity Building and Training 

 

Focusing on digital literacy training for government employees and citizens.  Dacer et al. (2025) recommend 

enhancing digital literacy through training programs. Abales et al. (2023) suggest capacitating employees with 

needed skills. 

 

Policy and Legal Frameworks 

 

Developing clear policies and legal guidelines for digital governance implementation. Ona S. E. (2020) 

recommends enacting laws to provide a legal framework for digital governance. 

 

Financial Investment and Resource Allocation 

 

Allocating sufficient budgets for e-government projects and ensuring efficient resource utilization.  Dacer et al. 

(2025) recommend increasing funding allocation for e-governance programs. De Castro & De Castro (2022) 

emphasize the need for budgeting for e-government initiatives. 

 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration 

 

Involving citizens, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the planning and execution of projects related 

to digital governance. Dacer et al. (2025) recommend engaging stakeholders in change management. De Castro & 

De Castro (2022) suggest strengthening collaboration with various stakeholders. 

 

Technical Support and Maintenance 

 

Giving continuous maintenance and technical assistance for digital systems. Dacer et al. (2025) recommend 

enhancing technical support systems. 



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Digital Inclusion 

Reducing the digital gap ensuring equitable access to digital services for all citizens, especially marginalized 

groups. Treceñe (2021) emphasizes the need for strengthening digital inclusion. 

 

Gender Perspectives in ICT 

 

Integrating gender considerations into digital governance policies and practices. Treceñe (2021) recommends 

enhancing women's representation in ICT policy development. 

 

Cluster Three: Emerging Trends  

 

The raw data on Emerging Trends and Future Research Priorities on Digital Governance in the Philippines 

extracted from the reviewed publications are stated in table 5. In describing this direction of study, research boiled 

down the most prominent features and characteristics articulated in the reviewed publications to the following: 

 

Emerging Technologies 

 

The integration of new technologies like AI and blockchain in e-government. Barrios & Moreno (2024) and 

Cabughawang et al.(2023) specifically mention AI and blockchain as emerging trends. 

 

Table 5: Raw Data 

Authors and 

Year 

Cluster 1 

Impacts of Digital Governance 

(Benefits and Challenges) 

RAW DATA 

Cluster 2 

Improving Digital Governance 

 

RAW DATA 

Cluster 3 

Emerging Trends of 

Digital Governance 

RAW DATA 

(Kiram et al., 

2025) 

Challenge/s: The study 

identified challenges such as lack of 

digital literacy, inadequate 

infrastructure, and concerns about 

data misuse.     

 

Benefit/s 

Also highlighted opportunities for 

leveraging digital technologies to 

improve transparency, 

accountability, and citizen 

participation in public service 

Sulu can harness the power of 

digital technologies to enhance 

public service delivery, promote 

transparency, and foster trust 

between the government and its 

citizens 

 



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delivery. 

(Dacer et al., 

2025) 

 Challenge/s: The research 

highlighted significant barriers to 

digital governance, primarily 

stemming from inadequate 

infrastructure such as unreliable 

internet connectivity, limited access 

to hardware, and software 

insufficiencies. Institutional 

constraints, including procurement 

challenges and funding inadequacies 

further exacerbated these issues. 

Participants emphasized the urgent 

need for government and 

organizational support to address 

these gaps, indicating that 

improvement in infrastructure is a 

foundational step toward effective 

digital governance. 

 

The participants identified resistance 

to change and low digital literacy 

among teachers and school leaders as 

critical barriers. The "people" aspect 

was underscored as the most 

challenging component of digital 

governance, with cultural resistance 

and skill deficits hindering progress. 

Targeted professional development 

programs and initiatives fostering a 

positive mindset toward digital 

transformation were suggested as key 

strategies to overcome these barriers. 

1.Improve Internet Connectivity 

and Access: 

Collaborate with government 

agencies and private providers to 

establish reliable internet 

connections in schools. 

Increase Funding Allocation: 

Advocate for higher budgetary 

allocations to procure essential 

hardware and software necessary 

for digital governance. Streamline 

Procurement Processes: Simplify 

procurement policies to ensure 

timely acquisition of digital tools 

and resources.                   2. Enhance 

Digital Literacy: Implement 

continuous training 

programs for teachers and school 

leaders to build their digital 

competencies. Promote a Growth 

Mindset: 

Conduct workshops and leadership 

seminars to encourage openness to 

digital transformation among 

resistant 

stakeholders. Engage Stakeholders 

in Change Management: Foster a 

participatory approach to involve 

teachers, 

staff, and students in digital 

governance initiatives to reduce 

resistance and increase buy-in.                                                                         

3. Adopt Gradual Implementation: 

Introduce 

digital tools incrementally, 

prioritizing areas that provide 

immediate impact while building 

capacity for broader 

implementation. Leverage 

Partnerships: Strengthen 

collaborations with NGOs, private 

organizations, and 

  



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educational technology providers 

to access training and resources. 

Utilize Open and Cost-Effective 

Resources: 

Encourage the use of open-source 

platforms and low-cost digital 

solutions to address resource 

constraints.                               

4.  Enhance Technical Support 

Systems: Establish 

dedicated teams or helplines to 

assist schools with digital tool 

maintenance and troubleshooting. 

Increase Policy 

Flexibility: Advocate for policies 

that allow schools to recruit IT-

skilled personnel and customize 

solutions based 

on their specific needs. Strengthen 

Government-School Collaboration: 

Develop joint action plans with 

government agencies to address 

challenges in digital governance 

and ensure sustained support. 

These 

recommendations aim to address 

the identified barriers, build on 

progress, and create a sustainable 

framework 

for advancing digital governance in 

the Schools Division Office of 

Camarines Norte. 

(Barrios & 

Moreno, 2024) 

Challenge/s:  

1.Barriers such as the digital divide, 

resistance to change, and security 

concerns have impacted the 

effectiveness of these tools. 

Facilitators like strong leadership, 

external partnerships, 

By identifying specific barriers 

such as the digital divide and 

resistance to change, and detailing 

effective facilitators such as 

leadership and collaboration, the 

research provides practical insights 

for policymakers and practitioners. 

These findings can guide the 

development of more effective e-

Government strategies and 

interventions 

Emerging Trends and 

future research 

priorities:  

The integration of 

emerging 

technologies such as 

artificial intelligence 

and blockchain in 

eGovernment 

systems present new 

opportunities and 

challenges. Research 



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and targeted training has been critical 

in overcoming these challenges.       

 

Benefit/s: 

Findings indicate that e-Government 

initiatives, including the e-Services 

Portal and Open Data Portal, 

have significantly enhanced 

administrative efficiency, reduced 

processing times, and improved 

transparency             

into how these 

technologies can be 

leveraged to 

enhance public sector 

efficiency and 

transparency, while 

addressing potential 

risks, would be a 

valuable addition to 

the 

field. 

(Indama A. C., 

2023) 

Benefit/s:  

The review found that e-government 

initiatives have the potential to 

improve public service delivery by 

enhancing access, quality, and citizen 

engagement. 

  

(Indama & 

Salain, 2023) 

Challenge/s: 

There are still challenges that need to 

be addressed. For example, ensuring 

that citizens have access to these 

digital technologies, and that they are 

designed to be accessible and user-

friendly, is crucial. Additionally, 

concerns around data privacy and 

security need to be addressed to 

ensure citizens can trust and 

use these digital technologies 

confidently. 

  

(Palma et al., 

2023) 

Challenge/s: 

 

 One of the main challenges facing 

the implementation of e-government 

in the 

Philippines is the lack of adequate 

infrastructure and connectivity in 

some areas, 

As technology continues to 

advance, the government must 

continue to invest in 

infrastructure, capacity-building, 

and stakeholder engagement to 

ensure the success of e-government 

initiatives. 

 



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particularly in rural and remote areas. 

This hinders the access and adoption 

of e-government services, limiting 

the potential benefits to citizens in 

these areas. 

Benefits: The implementation of e-

government in the Philippines has 

made significant strides in 

recent years, although challenges 

remain. The government has 

recognized the potential 

of technology to enhance public 

service delivery, increase 

transparency and 

accountability, and promote citizen 

engagement. As a result, several 

initiatives have been 

launched, such as the e-Procurement 

System, the Integrated Tax System, 

and the 

Electronic Business Permit and 

Licensing System. 

(Abales et al., 

2023) 

Challenge/s:  

Citizens actively engaged with e-

governance through 

media, yet challenges persisted, such 

as citizens’ hesitance to embrace 

e-government due to limited online 

technology skills. 

Governments should 

focus on improving digital 

infrastructure, promoting digital 

literacy, 

addressing security concerns, and 

engaging citizens in the design 

and implementation of e-

government initiatives. By doing 

so, e-government can become a 

powerful tool for efficient and 

inclusive 

governance in the digital age. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Cabughawang 

et al., 2023) 

  To make government 

actions more 

transparent and easier 

to verify, the 

researcher developed 

a prototype of a 

blockchain network 



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that can run 

government tasks in a 

way everyone can see 

and check 

(De Castro & 

De Castro, 

2022) 

Challenges: The study implies that 

the lack of funds and absence of a 

website manager were identified as 

challenges in the establishment of 

websites in some local governments 

To sustain e-government initiatives 

and ensure their successful 

implementation, the local 

governments may consider the 

following:  

1. Provide budget for e-government 

by integrating it in the annual 

budgeting plan of the LGUs for 

their projects to become 

sustainable,  

2. Create Plantilla positions for ICT 

personnel who will handle website 

services, computerization and other 

e-government systems and projects 

of LGUs,  

3. Capacitate more employees to 

develop the skills needed to 

implement e-government,  

4. Embark both on in-house 

development and outsourcing of e-

government programs and 

applications,  

5. Remain participative and 

supportive to the projects of the 

national governments specifically 

on the use of ICT in governance,  

6. Strengthen collaboration with 

other local governments, private 

sectors, and higher educational 

institutions in implementing e-

government related projects and 

activities,  

7. Benchmark with other LGUs to 

adapt their best practices on e-

government. 

 

(Treceñe, 

2021) 

 Recommendations:  

The government should take part in 

enhancing women’s representation 

in the decision-making structures in 

the government by incorporating 

 



Global Sustainability Research 

 Global Scientific Research   107 
 

gender perspectives and 

encouraging women in the 

marginalized sector to participate in 

the policy development process 

with regards to ICT. 

The government should also focus 

on strengthening digital inclusion, 

particularly to the 

marginalized sector in the 

community where access to e-

government services is difficult. It 

is also important to allocate an 

adequate budget to local levels 

particularly in public school 

systems on the implementation of 

digital literacy initiatives. 

(Ona S. E., 

2020) 

 Recommendations: Enacting laws 

can provide the government with 

basic legal guideline for 

implementing digital governance 

across national agencies and even 

in local governments, moreover, a 

digital governance law can 

prescribe the basic elements of a 

digital governance strategy such as 

enabling policies, capacity building 

programs, and skills development 

as well as requiring interoperability 

among national agencies. 

 

(Bajar, 2020)  This study recommends that the 

government should explore later 

the idea of centralized e-

government management which 

will eventually provide a system of 

virtual checks. The government 

may form a committee or designate 

the newly organized Department of 

Information and Technology 

(DICT) to conduct systematic, 

comprehensive, and consistent 

reviews to ensure that public 

resources are used productively. 

 



Global Sustainability Research 

 Global Scientific Research   108 
 

Discussion 

 

All findings and results of this scoping review represents valuable and comprehensive insights in the perceived 

impacts of digital governance initiatives in the Philippines. The review highlights both significant challenges and 

the potential benefits. On the other hand, digital governance has the capacity to alter or revolutionize public service 

in the Philippines by making government services more accessible, efficient, effective, and responsive to the 

citizens’ needs. Studies have reported positive impacts in various areas including improved public service delivery. 

Digital platforms can streamline processes, reduce red tape, and enhance the overall quality of public service 

delivery (Barrios & Moreno, 2024). Online access to government data and transactions can promote transparency 

and accountability, making it easier for citizens to monitor or check the government performance and hold officials 

responsible (Barrios & Moreno, 2024). By enhancing citizen engagement, digital tools, and systems can facilitate 

greater citizen participation in government decision-making, enabling citizens to voice their opinions, provide 

feedback, and contribute to policy formulation (Indama, 2023 and Ona S. E., 2020).  

In order to fully realize the potential of digital governance in the Philippines, the analysis highlights key obstacles 

that must be overcome. These challenges include ICT Infrastructure Deficiencies; the lack of adequate ICT 

Infrastructure including unreliable and slow internet connectivity and limited access to digital devices poses a 

major barrier to digital inclusion and participation (Dacer et al., 2025; Palma et al., 2023; Agcaoli, 2020). Digital 

literacy and skills gap; The digital literacy and skills gap among Filipino citizens, government employees, and 

even teachers hinder the effective adoption and utilization of digital technologies (Kiram et al., 2025; Dacer et al., 

2025; Abales et al., 2023). Institutional and financial constraints, limited funding for e-governance projects, 

complex procurement processes, and lack of dedicated IT government personnel can impede the implementation 

and sustainability of digital initiatives of the government (Dacer et al., 2025; De Castro & De Castro, 2022). 

Resistance to change and digital divide can slow down the development and progress of digital transformation in 

the government (Ducer et al., 2025). The study also revealed some new emerging trends that could be integrated 

into designing a new digitization system in governance. This includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide public 

services, to utilize AI and make public service delivery faster and easier (Barrios & Moreno, 2024). Another 

modern approach of using Blockchain networks in e-governance, is a technology that allows governments to record 

and manage information in an impenetrable and transparent way. Instead of keeping all data in one central 

computer, data is spread across many computers (Cabughawang et al., 2023). 

Conclusion 

This scoping review provides valuable and comprehensive overview of digital governance in the Philippines. 

While the potential benefits are significant, the challenges are equally substantial. In order to harness the 

development and transformative power of digital governance, policymakers and stakeholders need to address the 



Global Sustainability Research 

 Global Scientific Research   109 
 

digital divide, promote digital literacy, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster a cooperative and innovative 

culture. The findings of this review highlight the need for further research on the long-term impacts of digital 

governance initiatives, particularly on marginalized and vulnerable populations. It is also crucial to investigate the 

effectiveness of different strategies for enhancing digital governance and promoting digital inclusion. By 

addressing these challenges and investing in research and capacity building, the Philippines can leverage digital 

technologies to establish a more responsive, effective, efficient, and inclusive government that meets the 

expectations of its people. 

 

Declaration 

 

Acknowledgment: N/A 

 

Funding: N/A 

 

Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal 

relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. 

 

Ethics approval/declaration: This study did not involve human or animal subjects, and thus, no ethical approval 

was required. The study protocol adhered to the guidelines established by the journal 

 

Consent to participate: All of the authors listed above were involved in this study 

 

Consent for publication: All the authors listed above have agreed to publish their work in Global scientific 

Research Journals. 

 

Data availability: Data openly available in a public repository 

 

Authors contribution: All the authors contributed meaningfully to the actualization of the work  

 

 

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