Senator Lito Lapid proposed a bill on Tuesday, Aug.16, on using plain language in government advisories, public notices, announcements, and documents published.
Under the Senate Bill 273, all government offices and agencies including government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCCs) are required to use plain English and Filipino language or any regional language and dialects.
Among the documents included are: advisories, notices, announcements, bulletins, forms and other papers for the application, request or enjoyment of a public service, right, privilege, benefit, license, clearance, permit, the agency’s citizens’ charter, documents detailing and explaining a government program, activity, or project, replies and responses to an inquiry or request for assistance or information, any other document that the Philippine Information Agency or Governance Commission for GOCCs as the case may be, in consultation with the agency or office concerned, deems as important to be included in the measure.
The said bill includes the use of plain language in application or requests for benefits, license, clearance and permits, as well as the response for inquiries or assistance requests.
Lapid reiterated the significance of using plain language to urge Filipinos to obey the law as well as to fully understand and engage in national and public issues.
“Sadyang napakahalaga po sa ating bansa na lubos na naiintindihan ng ating mga kababayan ang lahat ng mga dokumento at sulatin ng ating gobyerno. Kung madali pong maintindihan ang ating mga batas ay mas ma-engganyo po ang ating mga kababayan na hindi iamang sumunod sa batas, kundi makilahok po sa mga usapan patungkoi sa mga pambansang at pampublikong mga isyu,” Lapid said. —Report from Eunice Samonte/KC-bny
