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Advocates Philippines
House Moves Closer To Landmark Right To Information Law Pushing For Stronger Government Transparency
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House of Representatives of the Philippines has taken a major step toward strengthening public access to government records after approving on second reading House Bill No. 9397, or the proposed Right to Information (RTI) Act, on Tuesday.
The measure is seen as part of the chamber’s broader push for reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust in government institutions.
Push for stronger access to public information
Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, chair of the House Committee on Public Information, sponsored the bill during plenary debates and said the proposed law would make government more open and responsive to the public.
He stressed that transparency is a key tool in reducing corruption and improving governance.
“The more transparent government is, the less room there is for corruption,” Suan said, adding that openness also allows government to better serve the public and respond to economic and social challenges.
What the proposed RTI law will change
The proposed RTI Act seeks to turn the constitutional right to information into a more enforceable and accessible system for citizens.
Instead of relying on the current Freedom of Information setup, the bill introduces clearer procedures for requesting public documents, requires proactive disclosure of key government data, and establishes a centralized online portal for all information requests across government agencies.
The measure will cover all branches of government, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and even private entities performing public functions or using public funds.
Suan said the bill reinforces the idea that government information ultimately belongs to the people.
“In a democracy, government information belongs to the people,” he said, emphasizing that taxpayers have the right to know how public funds are used and how decisions are made.
New RTI Commission to oversee compliance
A key feature of the bill is the creation of a dedicated Right to Information Commission that will oversee compliance, resolve disputes, enforce disclosure rules, and lead public education campaigns on transparency.
The commission will be attached to the Office of the President and will serve as the central body ensuring that agencies comply with information requests.
While some concerns were raised about adding another government institution amid ongoing rightsizing efforts, Suan defended the proposal, saying it would actually help streamline accountability.
“A commission dedicated to transparency and accountability does not add to bureaucratic excess; it curbs it,” he said.
Strengthening accountability and public trust
Suan said the measure is designed to promote more participatory governance and serve as a safeguard against corruption and misuse of public funds.
He added that while past controversies cannot be undone, stronger transparency systems can help prevent similar issues in the future.
“We cannot undo the scandals of the past which put our democratic institutions under siege, but we can prevent them from happening again,” he said.
The measure is seen as part of the chamber’s broader push for reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust in government institutions.
Push for stronger access to public information
Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan, chair of the House Committee on Public Information, sponsored the bill during plenary debates and said the proposed law would make government more open and responsive to the public.
He stressed that transparency is a key tool in reducing corruption and improving governance.
“The more transparent government is, the less room there is for corruption,” Suan said, adding that openness also allows government to better serve the public and respond to economic and social challenges.
What the proposed RTI law will change
The proposed RTI Act seeks to turn the constitutional right to information into a more enforceable and accessible system for citizens.
Instead of relying on the current Freedom of Information setup, the bill introduces clearer procedures for requesting public documents, requires proactive disclosure of key government data, and establishes a centralized online portal for all information requests across government agencies.
The measure will cover all branches of government, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and even private entities performing public functions or using public funds.
Suan said the bill reinforces the idea that government information ultimately belongs to the people.
“In a democracy, government information belongs to the people,” he said, emphasizing that taxpayers have the right to know how public funds are used and how decisions are made.
New RTI Commission to oversee compliance
A key feature of the bill is the creation of a dedicated Right to Information Commission that will oversee compliance, resolve disputes, enforce disclosure rules, and lead public education campaigns on transparency.
The commission will be attached to the Office of the President and will serve as the central body ensuring that agencies comply with information requests.
While some concerns were raised about adding another government institution amid ongoing rightsizing efforts, Suan defended the proposal, saying it would actually help streamline accountability.
“A commission dedicated to transparency and accountability does not add to bureaucratic excess; it curbs it,” he said.
Strengthening accountability and public trust
Suan said the measure is designed to promote more participatory governance and serve as a safeguard against corruption and misuse of public funds.
He added that while past controversies cannot be undone, stronger transparency systems can help prevent similar issues in the future.
“We cannot undo the scandals of the past which put our democratic institutions under siege, but we can prevent them from happening again,” he said.
May 27, 2026
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