AIG seeks the mandatory nature of online services in entities

This amendment to Bill 86 "That modifies and adds articles to Law 83 of November 9, 2012, which regulates the use of electronic media for government procedures and dictates other provisions", is part of the 125 priority actions of the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, specifically in priority action No. 4 Panamá Digital, which seeks to significantly reduce excessive paperwork in government processes.

Bill 86, is in second debate in the National Assembly and its general objective is to increase the mandatory nature of the provisions contained in Law 83 of 2012, strengthen the mechanisms for the establishment and monitoring of the goals established in the Agenda. Digital of each Institution, aligning all initiatives with the Digital Agenda established by the AIG, which is the competent authority in matters of technology and government innovation.

Government efforts in terms of digital adaptation of public institutions include the establishment of projects to digitize procedures, accompanied by an administrative simplification plan, focused on the citizen.

This bill also contains, budgetary provisions for compliance with the Digital Agenda, the mandatory suppression of physical documentation requirements or in-person presentation of documents in cases where digital media are enabled for these purposes, the establishment of penalties in case of non-compliance or negligence by public officials.

The AIG proposes to expand the scope and strengthen the oversight of the State's digital adaptation process, with a view to improving the implementation of solutions in the short, medium and long term and the achievement of goals set out in its Digital Agenda.

On the other hand, it is added to the content of the bill 86, the establishment of a single portal, where the citizen can access quickly and safely, all the procedures that need to be carried out with the State, in this sense it is important to highlight that The bill contains novel issues in the public administration of our country, such as the establishment of a digital identity, a state digital wallet, updating the online payment mechanism for government procedures and a document management system.

All users of state services may access them through the web portal www.panamadigital.gob.pa, guaranteeing public entities a link that guides users to said web page. All online government procedures, their requirements and the possibility of paying for them will be included in this Unique Citizen Portal.

The standardized document management system for the public sector will allow the secure exchange of documentation electronically, reducing paper consumption and bureaucracy, allowing the agile exchange of documentation between government entities.

Administrative simplification will be strengthened in public institutions, which must annually prepare a plan for the simplification and progressive automation of administrative procedures and procedures linked to users, which must be approved by the AIG for publication on the official portal www. panamadigital.gob.pa.

With regard to the budgetary issue, the entities will have the obligation to include within their budget, the funds necessary for the fulfillment of their Digital Agenda and the innovation projects that are established; and the Ministry of Economy and Finance shall facilitate access to said funds and / or financing for such purpose.

Bill 86 adds sanctions to public servants, in the event that non-compliance with the provisions contained in the Law is identified.

The AIG proposes as an important step for the digital transformation of the State, to include in the bill 86 the prohibition of establishing requirements that prevent the completion of procedures by electronic means, in addition to the requirement of face-to-face procedures, in cases where there is or there may be an electronic alternative.