Advocates of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill are celebrating a major milestone after both chambers of Congress passed their respective versions. The House of Representatives approved its version on third reading on June 2 with 284 affirmative votes, no negatives, and no abstentions. The Senate had earlier passed its version on May 4 with 22 affirmative votes, as reported by BusinessWorld .
The bill, which aims to mandate disclosure of government records and transactions, has been pending for decades. Its passage in both houses signals a potential breakthrough, though differences between the two versions must still be reconciled in a bicameral conference committee. The Senate version includes exemptions for national security and law enforcement, while the House version has broader disclosure requirements.
Proponents see this as the most promising moment yet for the right-to-know movement in the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not indicated whether he will sign the final bill into law. Advocates continue to push for swift enactment, emphasizing that transparency is essential for accountability and good governance.