The House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced the Right to Information (RTI) Bill through its second reading, securing a crucial breakthrough for legislative efforts aimed at boosting government transparency and civic engagement.
The plenary session was closely monitored by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Presidential Communications Office’s Freedom of Information–Program Management Office (FOI-PMO) and transparency advocates from the Right To Know, Right Now Coalition, who gathered to witness the measure’s approval.
During the floor deliberations, bill sponsor and Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan championed the legislation, highlighting how open governance directly weakens systemic corruption.
“The more transparent government is, the less room there is for corruption. And a more transparent government is a more effective government,” Suan said.
The successful second reading vote highlights a strengthening consensus within the legislature to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to public records and open up state decision-making processes.
With the RTI Bill moving closer to becoming law, advocacy groups and proponents are urging continued collaboration among state agencies, media networks, and civil society to secure final passage of a law designed to hold public officials accountable.