Republic of the Philippines:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1677

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The internet has revolutionized many aspects of our lives. Social media, for
instance, have transformed the ways and means thru which we communicate with
one another. The rise of mobile applications have changed shopping patterns,
transportation practices, and even financial transactions such as banking and online
trading. In 2012, the first attempt at a Crowdsourcing Law was launched in the
Senate of the Philippines in recognition of the power of the internet to get the people
involved in the process of legislation. Six years since, we have yet to institutionalize
the legal framework that will empower Filipinos from all walks of life manifest their
will through directly proposed bills.

This Representation believes that a Crowdsourcing Act shall enhance
democracy in our country. Through verified social media accounts, Filipinos can
make legislative proposals that reflect their most pressing needs and concerns.
Lawmaking thus becomes more inclusive, participatory and transparent. The same is
also more efficient and economical. As our population is composed of individuals
who are experts in their own fields, they can bring forward certain issues that require
a timely response. Through a Crowdsourcing Act, the State will be able to save
valuable resources in identifying problems and solutions in numerous fields,
especially the highly technical ones.

Internationally, Brazil has trailblazed participatory legislation through its
Internet Bill of Rights which allowed the direct participation of its citizens in drafting
the law. In Finland and Iceland, citizens were allowed to comment on traffic laws and
provide suggestions through internet platforms. It is high time that we harness the


Filipinos’ massive use of the internet and the spirit of bayanihan in advancing
democracy.

In light of the foregoing premises, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought

LUIS R, AY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit No._!677

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
PROVIDING A FRAMEWORK FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS THROUGH THE USE OF THE INTERNET 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 “Crowdsourcing Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The sovereignty of the State resides in its
people and all government authority emanates from them. Thus principle is hereby
extended to the right of citizens to participate in the legislative process through the use
of new, effective, and responsive communication mechanisms to promote and protect
participation in all levels of social, political, and economic decisions.

Crowdsourcing is a concept that recognizes and allows and individual and collective
power of the people, with the use of the internet or other ICT systems, to contribute to
the formulation, improvement, or creation of laws that benefit the State.

SECTION 3. Crowdsourcing in the Legislative Process. ~ The Presidential
Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) shall create a platform through the Internet where
people can start a campaign or a petition to review, amend, repeal, or create a law.
This platform shall be available in their website to serve as the avenue for individuals
or groups to propose legislations to the members of Congress. Once a proposed
measure reaches three hundred thousand (300,000) verified signatures, the PLLO
shall forward the said proposed measure to the Chairperson of the Committees on
both Houses of Congress for further action.

All comments sent through the portal shall form part of the official and public records
of Congress and shall be considered in the final output of the measure.


SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the PLLO, in coordination with the House of Representatives and
the Senate of the Philippines’ secretariat, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

SECTION 7. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation, which shall not be later than seven (7) days after the approval thereof.

Approved,