Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE USE OF PLAIN WRITING IN ALL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS 
TO ENHANCE CITIZENS' ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND 
SERVICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The rationale of this proposed measure is to allow the public to easily understand 
government processes and services. As such this measure mandates government 
agencies to adopt plain writing or the use of a “clear, concise, and well-organized” manner 
of writing in all government documents issued to the public. This should enable the public 
to access government information and services more easily and efficiently.  
To put it simply, this bill aims to allow a person reading a government-issued document 
to be able to find what they need, understand what they read, and do what they need the 
first time they read the document. 
This should increase efficiency in government services, avoid the need for repetitive 
clarifications, reduce resources spent on enforcement, and reduce errors in government 
processes.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good 
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 16, 2022
1:08 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT  
REQUIRING THE USE OF PLAIN WRITING IN ALL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS 
TO ENHANCE CITIZENS' ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND 
SERVICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Plain Writing Act”. 
Sec. 2. Objective. – The purpose of this Act is to improve the access to and effectiveness 
of government documents as presented to the public by promoting clear government 
communication that citizens can understand and use. 
Sec. 3. Plain Writing in Public Service. – All government agencies are hereby 
mandated to adopt Plain Writing in all their communications and the implementation of 
their basic functions, mandates, and services.  
"Plain Writing" shall refer to writing and preparations thereof that are clear, concise, well-
organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended 
audience or constituents. Plain writing shall be used in the following documents but is not 
limited to: 
3.1. Information about any government benefit or services; 
3.2. Documents necessary for obtaining any government benefit or service or filing 
taxes;  
3.3. Documents that explain to the public how to comply with a requirement the 
government agencies administer, enforce and provide; 
Plain writing shall also cover letters, forms, instructions, notices, and publications. 
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The term "government agencies" as used in this Act shall mean all government 
departments, bureaus, divisions, attached agencies, and government-owned- and 
controlled corporations  
Sec. 4. The Civil Service Commission. – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall 
oversee the implementation of this Act. It shall issue guidelines sixty (60) days after the 
approval of this Act: 
A. Preparation for Implementation of Plain Writing Requirements 
1. All government agencies must designate one (1) or more senior officials 
within the agency to be the point-person for the implementation of this Act; 
2. Communicate the requirements of this Act to the employees of the agency; 
3. Train employees of government agencies in Plain Writing; 
4. Establish a process for overseeing the compliance of the agencies with the 
requirements of this Act.  
B. Websites. All government agencies are mandated to adopt a system of Plain 
Writing on their websites or relevant portals.  
The CSC shall be allowed to consult and partner with relevant academic institutions 
and/or organizations in the development and issuance of relevant guidelines.  
Sec. 5. Report on compliance. – All government agencies are mandated to report and 
publish on their respective websites or publications a report on their agency's compliance 
with the requirements of this Act.  
Sec. 6. Appropriations. – The amount of 10 million pesos (Php 10,000,000.00) is hereby 
appropriated for the implementation of this Act. Every year, the CSC shall be allotted the 
needed appropriation to implement the provisions of this Act.  
Sec. 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,