NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
72 JUL25 P2 31
S E N A_T 
S. No.
RHCEi\ ; rj t, '
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MODALITIES FOR THE 
PROMULGATION OF LAWS, RESOLUTIONS, RULES AND OTHER 
ISSUANCES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 18, 24 AND 25 
CHAPTER 5, BOOK 1 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes the right of the people to 
information on matters of public concern. Further, citizens shall be afforded access 
to official records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, 
transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research date used as basis for 
policy development, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.1
Moreover, Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as the Civil Code of the 
Philippines, sets the effectivity of laws to fifteen days following the completion of 
their publication in the Official Gazette, unless otherwise provided.2
However, limited access to and knowledge of the Official Gazette denies the 
public of their right to information. Thus, Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known 
as the Administrative Code of 1987, mandated the publication of laws In at least two 
newspapers of general circulation as an alternative to their publication in the Official 
Gazette.
In this day and age, the internet has become a more efficient medium for 
information dissemination. This bill seeks to require the publication of laws in the 
online edition of the Official Gazette over and above publication in newspapers of
1 Section 7, Article III, 1987 Philippine Constitution.
2 Section 2, Civil Code of the Philippines.


general circulation. This is a way to utilize technological advancement to enable the 
people to utilize the right to information.
Hence, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
GRACE POE


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
72 JUL25 P2 31
S E N AJ 
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
PRESCRIBING ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MODALITIES FOR THE 
PROMULGATION OF LAWS, RESOLUTIONS, RULES AND OTHER 
ISSUANCES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 18, 24 AND 25 
CHAPTER 5, BOOK 1 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 OTHERV/ISE KNOWN 
AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. S/iort Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Electronic and Online
2 
Publication of Laws Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to ensure
4 
compliance with the fundamental right of the public to information, specifically on
5 
matters of public concern. The State recognizes the vital role of information and
6 
communications technology as an alternative to traditional printed or paper editions
7 
of newspaper and the Official Gazette in bringing to the people important
8 
information for proper guidance and appropriate compliance.
9 
Sec. 3. Sections 18, 24 and 25, Chapter 5, Book 1 of Executive Order No. 292
10 
are hereby amended to read as follows:
11 
"Sec 18. When Laws Take Effect. - laws shall take effect after fifteen
12 
(15) Days following the completion of their publication in the
13 
ELECTRONIC AND PRINT VERSIONS of the Official Gazette or in a
14 
newspaper of general circulation, unless it is otherwise provided."


1 
Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the
2 
other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
3 
Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, rules or issuances
4 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
5 
Sec. 7. Effectivity. - shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of
6 
its publication in the online or printed edition of the Official gazette, or in at least
7 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,