Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3494

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS:
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As an instrument of accountability and transparency, the 1987 Philippine
Constitution affirmed that, “the right of the people to information on matters of
public concern shalll be recognized.”:

More than being available, however, the information must be in a language
that is easy to understand by the people. Plain language uses clear and simple
language and aims at making the reader understand as quickly and as completely as
possible the document on hand.

Government, thus, must initiate and institutionalize the use of clear, concise
and simple language in all government communications free of verbosity, obscurity
and complexities. Many times have we seen a waste of money, time and energy with
erroneous entries to various application forms in government agencies for the simple
reason that the data required was not clear to the intended user. This, at times,
prevents them from availing the benefit of public services due to difficulty in
understanding government information. Further, many government documents are
perceived to intentionally deceive, thus, foster distrust and animosity.

Several countries,* including the United States of America,’ have adopted the
use of plain language in all government documents.

This proposed measure will make mandatory, as against being merely
directive or optional, the use of plain language in all government documents to
ensure fulfilment of the Constitutional commitment of the “right of the people to
information.” This will also conserve money, time and energy, expedite procedures as
well as raise accountability and transparency in all government transactions and
communications.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of the instant bill is earnestly sought.

Saige
RENE he Reampacos

* Section 7, Article III, 1987 Philippine Constitution
# Sweden uses ‘plain language’ for thirty years and South Africa's Constitution is in plain language and
requires plain language

8 The Congress of the United States of America just recently passed its “Plain Writing Act of 2010”
(HR 946) which was signed into law by its President on October 13, 2010


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3494

Introduced by HON, RENE L. RELAMPAGOS
First District, Bohol

AN ACT
‘TO ENHANCE CITIZEN ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
AND SERVICES BY ESTABLISHING THAT GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
ISSUED TO THE PUBLIC MUST BE WRITTEN CLEARLY, AND FOR.
OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Plain Language Law of
2013.”

SEC. 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to improve the effectiveness
and accountability of Government agencies to the public by promoting clear
Government communication that the public can understand and use.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

a. “Government Agency” ~ shall refer to the Government of the Republic of
the Philippines, all its agencies and instrumentalities, national and local,
including government-owned and controlled corporations.

b. “Covered document” ~ is any document that

i, is necessary for obtaining any benefit or service from the Government
or filing taxes;
ii, provides information about any benefit or service from the
Government;
iff, explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the
Government administers or enforces;
iv. includes (whether in paper or electronic form) a letter, publication,
form, notice or instruction; and
v. does not include a regulation.

c. “Plain writing” ~ means writing in Filipino or English that is clear, concise,
well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject
or field and intended audience.


SEC. 4. Responsibilities of Government Agencies. Not later than nine
(9) months after the enactment of this Act, the head of each agency or local
government unit shall:

a. designate one (1) or more senior officials, not lower than an
Undersecretary level position, within the agency to oversee the agency
implementation of this Act;

b. communicate the requirements of this Act to the officials and employees
of the agency;

¢. ensure training of all officials and employees of the agency in plain writing;

d. establish a process for overseeing and monitoring the ongoing compliance
of the agency with the requirements of this Act;

e. create and maintain a plain writing section of the agency's website as
required under paragraph (2) that is accessible from the homepage of the
agency's website; and

f. designate one (1) or more agency points-of-contact to receive and respond
to public input on agency implementation of this Act and the agency
reports required under Section 7.

SEC. 5. Requirement to Use Plain Writing in New Documents.
Beginning not later than one (1) year after the date of enactment of this Act, each
agency shall use plain writing in every covered document of the agency that the
agency issues or substantially revises.

SEC. 6. Role of the Civil Service Commission.

a, The Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall be the Focal Agency to oversee
implementation of this Act. As such Focal Agency, the CSC shall ensure
that each Government Agency shall comply with the provisions of this Act.

b. Not later than six (6) months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall develop and issue
guidance on implementing the requirements of Section 4. ‘The Secretary
shall consult with relevant government agencies and may create
interagency working groups to assist in developing and issuing the
implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 7. Reports to Congress.

Report ~ Not later than nine (9) months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the head of each agency shall publish on the plain writing
section of the agency's website a report that describes the agency plan for
compliance with the requirements of this Act.

b. Annual Compliance Report — Not later than eighteen (18) months after the
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the head of each
agency shall publish on the plain writing section of the agency's website a
report on agency compliance with the requirements of this Act.

a

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — The provisions of this Act are declared
separable and in the event of any such provision is declared unconstitutional, the
other provisions, which are not affected, shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, decrees, rules and regulations
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.


SEC. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,