16/06/2026
The People’s Right to Know Must Be a Priority of the Special Session
Malacañang has convened Congress in a Special Session under Proclamation No. 1318 to consider the passage of priority legislative measures. While we recognize the urgency and importance of the identified bills, we are concerned that the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, or House Bill No. 9397, was not included among the measures slated for deliberation.
The Right to Information is not an ordinary piece of legislation. It is a cornerstone of democratic governance and an indispensable mechanism for transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation. Without access to information, the people’s ability to participate in governance, hold public officials accountable, and guard against corruption is severely diminished.
For decades, Filipinos and civil society organizations have advocated for a comprehensive Right to Information law. After years of legislative deliberations and broad public support, there is no compelling reason to further delay this long-overdue reform.
CODE-NGO respectfully but strongly calls on the Office of the President, the Senate of the Philippines, and the House of Representatives to include the approval of the Right to Information Bill among the priorities of the Special Session.
At a time when public trust in institutions depends on openness and accountability, transparency cannot remain on the sidelines. The Filipino people’s right to know must finally be guaranteed through a comprehensive and enforceable Right to Information law.
The time to pass the Right to Information Bill is now.
