The House of Representatives on Tuesday night unanimously passed on third and final reading a groundbreaking measure designed to broaden public access to official state records, expenditure reports, state contracts, and major policy decisions.
With a definitive 284-0 vote and no abstentions, lawmakers greenlit House Bill No. 9397, also known as the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2026. The bill is a top priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
The legislation is principally authored by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan Suan, and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mika Suansing, who heads the House Committees on Public Information and Appropriations.
Once enacted, the law will build a robust legal framework guaranteeing citizens the right to look into government-held data used in official decision-making. The scope of this mandate spans all branches of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary—along with constitutional commissions, state-run corporations, state universities, and local government units.
Key Features of the RTI Act
- RTI Commission: The creation of an independent body to oversee implementation, manage appeals for denied requests, investigate complaints, and enforce institutional compliance.
- Centralized Digital Portal: A mandate to establish an online platform where citizens can file, track, and monitor their data requests.
- Proactive Disclosure: A requirement for agencies to automatically publish vital documents—such as budgets, procurement contracts, and audit reports—without waiting for a formal request.
- Beneficial Ownership Transparency: A rule requiring companies contracting with the government to disclose their true, actual owners to prevent corruption.
Exceptions and Accountability
Under the proposed law, public disclosure stands as the default rule. Nondisclosure is permitted only under strict exceptions like national security, law enforcement, foreign relations, and data privacy. Agencies must heavily justify any withholding of information.
Furthermore, the bill includes a “public-interest override,” meaning information must be disclosed if the public benefit outweighs potential harm—especially in cases involving corruption or threats to public welfare. Officials who unlawfully deny requests, destroy records, or retaliate against applicants will face administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.
Statements from House Leadership
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III hailed the bill’s passage as a massive leap for democratic accountability.
”Democracy works best when citizens are informed. The right to information does more than provide access to documents – It empowers every Filipino by providing them the means to understand how government works, how decisions are made, and how public resources are being used,” Dy said.
He emphasized that the bill shifts the power balance back to the citizens.
”This measure strengthens the people’s ability to hold institutions accountable and reinforces the principle that government exists to serve the public, not the other way around,” he said.
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos added that the bill turns a foundational constitutional concept into a practical, enforceable right through the use of modern technology.
”The right to information is a constitutional right that empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in governance, demand accountability from public officials and strengthen democratic institutions,” Marcos said.
He also assured that the transition to digital records would not compromise sensitive state secrets.
”This measure strengthens transparency while ensuring that legitimate concerns involving privacy, national security and sensitive information remain protected under clearly defined safeguards,” he added.