I tried the Philippines’ E-Gov app because I saw a warning online. A developer said the app might not have enough AI guardrails. That made me curious, so I tested it myself.
After signing up, I was surprised. The app automatically detected my PhilHealth ID and even my old NBI clearance. I didn’t have to upload everything manually. That felt new. Usually, government apps make things harder, not easier.
Then I explored the AI assistant, “Kuya A.”
It had many features, laws, translation, documents, and more. It felt open, like modern AI tools. At first, I thought this openness might be risky. But the more I used it, the more I liked it.
I asked about AI laws in the Philippines. The answer was simple and clear. It explained that there is no full law yet, but there are ongoing efforts. That saved me time. No need to search multiple websites.
This is what digital government should feel like.
But when I tried to renew my NBI clearance, the experience changed. The app said I was not eligible for quick renewal. I still had to go to an office. So even with AI and smart features, the process is not fully digital.
This shows the real issue: the systems are still not fully connected.
I’ve seen this before. Other government portals can be frustrating. Even small errors, like name spelling, can stop everything. Those problems are still here.
But I am still hopeful. Because this app shows progress. The ID detection works. The AI works. The design is simple.
It’s not perfect, but it’s moving forward. Digital government is a journey. We are not there yet, but we are closer than before.
And that matters.
Dominic “Doc” Ligot is one of the leading voices in AI in the Philippines. Doc has been extensively cited in local and global media outlets including The Economist, South China Morning Post, Washington Post, and Agence France Presse. His award-winning work has been recognized and published by prestigious organizations such as NASA, Data.org, Digital Public Goods Alliance, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
If you need guidance or training in maximizing AI for your career or business, reach out to Doc via https://docligot.com.
