House committee endorses bill to regulate lobbying

MANILA, Philippines - The House committee on people’s participation has endorsed a bill that seeks to regulate lobbying in Congress, Malacañang and other state agencies.

The measure is patterned after a law in the United States that requires lobbyists, whether individuals, groups, law firms, or corporations, to register with the attorney general’s office and reveal their activities.

“We must enhance public confidence in the integrity of public office by implementing a policy of full public disclosure of lobbying activities and transactions in the country,” Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, author of the lobbying bill, said.

He said his proposal aims to complement the core policies of President Aquino on transparency and accountability in all government decisions, deals, issuances, and contracts.

He said people would be guided and forewarned on transactions being pursued or on decisions being influenced by lobbyists if there is a lobbying law.

Under the proposed Lobbying Disclosure Act, lobbying refers to the practice of influencing the introduction, shepherding or passage of legislation by the House of Representatives or the Senate, as well as intervening in the official decisions of public officials and the implementation of programs and projects.