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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Regular Session

798)

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON, JOY MYRA S, TAMBUNTING

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 “clear, concise, and well-organized” manner of writing in all government
documents issued to the public. This should enable the public to access governments information
and services more easily and efficiently.

To put it simply, the aim of this bill is 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 Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the

Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.
YRA S. | fda

‘2nd District, Parafiaque City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7981

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA 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 in 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 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.

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 in
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
in 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 in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes
earlier.

Approved,