MANILA, Philippines — With over 280 lawmakers voting in the affirmative, the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved House Bill 9397 or the Right to Information Act.
The bill aims to establish a framework for citizens to address records, documents including contracts, data and other information from all three government branches including state firms and state universities and colleges. The bill also covered constitutional commissions, local government units, and other government offices.
Enactment of the bill will mean the creation of an online portal through which Filipinos can file and monitor their requests for information.
Also if it is enacted, the Right to Information Commission will be created to hear appeals on denied requests, investigate possible violations, and enforce compliance in the government.
