Philippines Launches Blockchain Document Verification Amid Polygon Outage

The Philippine government has moved forward with its initiative to secure official documents on the Polygon blockchain, even as the network experienced a temporary outage on the same day the project was launched. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the implementation of the blockchain-based document verification system through a public post by Undersecretary Maria Francesca Montes-Del Rosario on Facebook [1]. The system is designed to address challenges such as document falsification, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes [1]. Del Rosario emphasized the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI and satellite imaging to strengthen governance and public policy execution [1].

The initiative, powered by Bayanichain—a local blockchain firm—will be used to track budgetary documents and ensure transparency in public finance [1]. According to Paul Soliman, CEO of Bayanichain, this collaboration sets a precedent for accountability in government financial operations [1]. The system works by generating a hash of the document data, which is then stored on the Polygon blockchain. This allows for a tamper-proof and verifiable record without exposing the full contents of the documents on the chain [1].

Users can verify government documents using a QR code or by searching the document code on the official government website. This includes checking the authenticity of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) or a Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) [1]. By implementing this system, the DBM aims to reduce administrative inefficiencies and strengthen trust in digital governance [1].

Despite the launch, the same day saw an outage in Polygon’s Heimdall v2 mainnet, attributed to a suspected consensus bug. The issue was resolved within three and a half hours, allowing the network to resume normal operations [1]. However, the timing raised concerns about the reliability of the platform for critical government functions [1]. The DBM has not indicated any plans to halt the initiative, instead urging technology partners to resolve the issue promptly [1].

The initiative reflects a growing global trend of governments exploring blockchain for administrative use. It also highlights a shift toward local technological solutions in public projects, potentially fostering homegrown blockchain capabilities [1]. If the implementation proves successful, it may serve as a model for other governments seeking to modernize their administrative systems through digital innovation [1].

Source: [1] YGG Alerts (https://www.facebook.com/YGGAlerts/)