The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading Tuesday House Bill No. 9397, or the "Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2026," which aims to give Filipinos broader access to government records, contracts, and expenditures.
With 284 votes in favor, none against, and no abstentions, the priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) was passed. Principal authors include House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" G. Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos, Public Information Chair Lordan Suan, and Appropriations Chair Mikaela Angela Suansing.
The measure covers the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, constitutional commissions, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities, and local government units (LGUs).
Its principle states that disclosure of information is the general rule, and denial is only an exception, such as matters involving national security, privacy rights, and law enforcement.
Key provisions include the establishment of an independent Right to Information Commission to oversee implementation, and a centralized Online RTI Portal for electronic filing and tracking of public requests. The bill also mandates agencies to proactively disclose their budgets, audit findings, and contracts. Administrative, civil, and criminal penalties will be imposed on officials who illegally deny or destroy public records.
