Cryptocurrency adoption in the Philippines continues to surge, and so does the need for a coordinated national strategy. Ranked 8th globally in the 2024 Chainalysis Crypto Adoption Index, the country already boasts over 16 million crypto users. Yet, despite this grassroots momentum, regulation and development remain siloed across agencies like the BSP, SEC, and DICT.

House Bill No. 4792, the Philippine Tokenization and Crypto Adoption Act of 2025, proposes a bold solution: the creation of the National Council on Digital Assets and Tokenized Investments (NCDATI). This new body aims to bridge institutional gaps, establish unified policy, and help steer the country through the next decade of digital innovation.

Why a Unified Council Matters

Currently, efforts to regulate or promote blockchain and crypto technologies are fragmented. The BSP oversees Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), the SEC has begun issuing its own crypto-asset rules, and other departments dabble in innovation pilots. But without a central framework, the result is an inconsistent experience for businesses, investors, and developers.

NCDATI is designed to solve this by aligning national strategy under one roof. From sandbox regulation and consumer protection to infrastructure and investment incentives, the council is structured to serve as a clearinghouse for all things Web3.

Who’s Involved: A Cross-Sector Brain Trust

At the helm of NCDATI are some of the Philippines’ most powerful agencies:

• Secretary of Finance (Chairperson)
• BSP Governor (Co-Vice Chair)
• SEC Chairperson (Co-Vice Chair)
• DTI, DICT, NEDA (as members)

To ensure balance and inclusivity, the council will also include:

• 2 industry representatives (from blockchain, fintech, or digital business)
• 1 retail investor or OFW representative
• 1 civil society organization (CSO) representative

This diverse composition ensures not only regulatory depth but also representation from grassroots users and innovators.

What the Committees Will Do

Under NCDATI, five specialized committees will lead operational work:

1. Policy and Regulation Committee – Harmonize legal standards across agencies.
2. Investor Protection Committee – Create grievance mechanisms, safety nets, and dispute resolution standards.
3. Technology and Cybersecurity Committee – Establish secure technical frameworks and evaluate sandbox proposals.
4. Market Development Committee – Draft roadmaps and promote business use cases.
5. Foreign Investment Committee – Create clear pathways for international players to participate under Philippine regulation.

Together, these groups aim to craft a future-ready Web3 ecosystem, combining safety and innovation.

The NCDATI doesn’t start from scratch. The bill explicitly draws from successful models abroad:

• MiCA (EU): Known for its stablecoin regulations and CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) licensing frameworks.
• MAS (Singapore): Renowned for its innovation-friendly approach via sandbox testing.
• GENIUS Act (USA): Focuses on public-private cooperation and tokenized funding for startups.

These references signal an intent to make the Philippines globally competitive, while also protecting its citizens and markets. If successful, the NCDATI could deliver a unified National Tokenization Roadmap every three years; establish licensing frameworks for exchanges, stablecoins, and tokenized assets; coordinate public dashboards for transparency on approved projects, consumer complaints, and sandbox experiments; and launch citizen-facing literacy and protection campaigns in Filipino and regional languages.

But without proper execution, the council risks becoming another dormant committee. Its impact will hinge on real participation, especially from industry players and citizen stakeholders.

If implemented, the creation of NCDATI will mark a potential turning point in how the Philippines approaches blockchain and digital finance. More than just a regulatory body, it is poised to become a strategic hub for aligning innovation, investment, and national interest.

In an era when the digital economy could surpass $1 trillion in Southeast Asia alone, the Philippines has a chance to lead—not just in adoption, but in shaping how Web3 works for people. The success of NCDATI could well determine whether the country becomes a blockchain hub or remains a follower in the global race.

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