Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using the BarangayMS platform ("Service"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Service.

2. Service Description

BarangayMS is a cloud-based digital governance platform designed specifically for Philippine barangays. Our Service includes:

• Resident database management
• Document generation (certificates, clearances, IDs)
• Blotter and case management system
• Appointment scheduling
• User management and access control
• Document authentication system
• Reporting and analytics tools

We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any aspect of our Service at any time with appropriate notice.

3. Eligibility

To use BarangayMS, you must:

• Be an authorized representative of a Philippine barangay or local government unit
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal authority to enter into binding agreements
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Comply with all applicable Philippine laws and regulations

Organizations must be legitimate government entities with proper authorization to collect and process resident data.

4. User Accounts and Security

4.1 Account Creation

You are responsible for:

• Providing accurate registration information
• Maintaining the security of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying us of unauthorized access

4.2 User Roles and Permissions

Account access is granted based on assigned roles:

• Administrators: Full organizational access and user management
• Clerks: Standard operational access for data entry and document generation
• Super Admins: Platform-level access (BarangayMS staff only)

4.3 Account Suspension

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or pose security risks.

5. Acceptable Use Policy

5.1 Permitted Uses

You may use BarangayMS only for legitimate government operations including:

• Managing resident records and information
• Generating official government documents
• Processing service requests and appointments
• Maintaining case and incident records

5.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for illegal or unauthorized purposes
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Upload malicious code or engage in hacking activities
• Misuse or misrepresent resident data
• Share account credentials with unauthorized persons
• Use the Service to discriminate or violate individual rights

6. Content and Data Ownership

6.1 Your Data

You retain ownership of all data you input into BarangayMS, including:

• Resident information and records
• Documents and files uploaded
• Organizational information
• Generated reports and documents

6.2 Data Processing

By using our Service, you grant us permission to:

• Store and process your data to provide the Service
• Create backups for data protection
• Generate anonymized analytics and reports
• Improve our platform based on usage patterns

6.3 Data Accuracy

You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and legality of all data entered into the system.

7. Payment Terms and Billing

7.1 Subscription Plans

BarangayMS offers various subscription plans with different features and limits. Current pricing is available on our pricing page.

7.2 Payment Methods

We accept payments through:

• PayPal (credit cards and PayPal balance)
• GCash (Philippine mobile payments)
• Bank transfer (with manual verification)
• Check payments (for government organizations)

7.3 Billing Cycle

• Subscriptions are billed monthly or annually
• Payments are due in advance
• Services may be suspended for non-payment
• Refunds are provided according to our refund policy

7.4 Price Changes

We may change subscription prices with 30 days' advance notice. Existing subscribers will be grandfathered at current rates for their current billing cycle.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 BarangayMS Platform

The BarangayMS platform, including all software, designs, text, graphics, and other content, is owned by BarangayMS and protected by intellectual property laws.

8.2 Trademarks

BarangayMS and related logos are trademarks of our company. You may not use our trademarks without written permission.

8.3 User Content License

You grant us a limited license to use your content solely for providing and improving our Service.

9. Service Availability and Support

9.1 Uptime Commitment

We strive to maintain 99.9% uptime but do not guarantee uninterrupted service. Planned maintenance will be announced in advance.

9.2 Support Services

Support is provided during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM PHT) with emergency support available 24/7 for critical issues.

9.3 System Requirements

You are responsible for maintaining compatible hardware, software, and internet connectivity.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Service Disclaimer

BarangayMS is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that the Service will be error-free or uninterrupted.

10.2 Limitation of Damages

Our total liability for any claims related to the Service is limited to the amount you paid for the Service in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10.3 Exclusions

We are not liable for:

• Data loss due to user error or system failure
• Business interruption or lost profits
• Third-party actions or content
• Force majeure events beyond our control

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting support.

11.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate your account for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Non-payment of fees
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Extended inactivity

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Access to the Service will be suspended
• Data will be retained for 30 days for recovery
• You may request data export during this period
• All outstanding fees remain due

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

12.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Metro Manila, Philippines.

12.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

We encourage resolving disputes through good faith negotiation before pursuing legal action.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms to reflect changes in our Service or legal requirements. We will:

• Provide 30 days' notice of material changes
• Post updated Terms on our website
• Notify you via email or platform notification
• Allow you to review and accept updated Terms

Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

14. Contact Information

15. Miscellaneous

15.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.

15.2 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and BarangayMS.

15.3 Assignment

You may not assign your rights under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights at any time.