GEPCSET Questions and Answers

1. What is GEPCSET?

The Government Electronic Payment and Collection System Evaluation Team (GEPCSET) is an inter-agency team created pursuant to Sec. VIII, DOF-DTI JDAO No. 2, s. 2006 and JDO No. 1, s. 2007. It is tasked to evaluate electronic payment and collection systems to be utilized or already implemented by Government Entities (GEs) that are required by law to remit collections of fees and charges to the National Treasury. The official  GEPCSET website is http://gepcset.dof.gov.ph

2. What is an EPCS?

Electronic Payment and Collection System (EPCS) refers to a system that accepts and processes Electronic Payments, authenticates the payor and payee, validates availability of the funds, and executes the appropriate debit and credit instructions for the fund source and destination accounts, generates and forwards electronic proof of payment or EOR to the payor, or allows secure access thereto and creates, retains and safeguards the resulting detailed electronic transaction records which are accessible by authorized personnel.

3. What government entities are covered by GEPCSET evaluation and accreditation?

All National Government Agencies (NGAs), Government Owned and/ or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Local Government Units (LGUs) and  State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) which by law are required to remit their collections of fees and charges to the National Treasury. (Sec. V in relation to Sec. VI Definition of Terms – “Government Entity” DOF-DTI JDAO No. 2, s. 2006)

4. What are the minimum requirements in applying for accreditation of an EPCS?

The minimum requirements in applying for Electronic Payment and Collection System (EPCS) are enumerated under Sec. VII Minimum Requirements of EPCS - DOF-DTI JDAO No. 2, s. 2006)

5. How can a GE apply for EPCS accreditation?

A GE can either apply online through the GEPCSET website or can submit its application directly to the GEPCSET Secretariat, Room 302, 3rd Floor, Palacio Del Gobernador Bldg., Intramuros, Manila.

6. Can a GE proceed with implementation of its EPCS without consulting and getting the approval of GEPCSET?

Yes.

7. Is there a penalty for not complying with JDAO No. 2?

None.

8. Do GEs with existing EPCS prior to or after the issuance of JDAO No. 2 still need to undergo accreditation?

Yes. These GEs must comply with the provisions under JDAO No. 2 within 2 years from its issuance or until October 25, 2008.

9. Is GEPCSET accreditation agency or project specific?

GEPCSET accreditation is project specific.

10. How long will it take for GEPCSET to completely evaluate an EPCS application?

Within 60 calendar days after complete submission of all requirements.

11. What will happen if a GE’s EPCS do not pass the criteria set by GEPCSET?

The GE must apply corrective measures to address deficiencies within the prescribed period.

12. Is GEPCSET accreditation perpetual?

No. The GE must apply for reaccreditation when there are major revision in the systems.

13. What financial institutions are allowed to participate in the EPCS project of GEs.

Banks with BSP approved ePayment services and with Monetary Board (MB) and DOF approval to accept deposits of public funds. (BSP Cir. 110; DOF Order 11-94 and 32-03)

14. Is my payment using EPCS safe and secured?

Yes. The confidentiality, integrity and security of all EPCS transaction shall be based on the Philippine National Standards on Information Security Management System(ISMS) as approved by the Bureau of Products Standards. EPCS shall also conform with DTI DAO No. 8.