The House Committee on People’s Participation has endorsed the passage of a bill requiring full disclosure of lobbying activities in the government, particularly in lawmaking and in the confirmation of appointments by Congress.

Authored by Magdalo Partylist Rep. Manuel Cabochan, House Bill 7835 was included in the order of business and will be deliberated on after the passage of the proposed 2021 General Appropriations Act.

San Jose del Monte Rep. Rida Robes, chairperson of the people’s participation panel, said passage of the measure will “enhance public confidence in the integrity of public office” as a result of the implementation of a policy of full public disclosure of lobbying activities and transactions.

Robes said HB 7835 will amend Republic Act 1827 otherwise known as “An Act to Regulate Lobbying in the Congress of the Philippines and in the Commission on Appointments” which was enacted in 1957.

In filing the bill, Cabochan noted that there is an urgent need to regulate lobbying practices following reports that certain groups are engaged in unethical actions and unlawful consideration offered to lawmakers.

“For that reason, addressing this issue and the negative image it imparts to the public is seriously needed,” said Cabochan.

The partylist solon proposed increase in the penalties for persons involved in unethical and corrupt means of influencing legislation or confirmation of appointment of government and military officials.

Under the bill lobbying activities include action and communications intended to influence government agencies and officials in crafting legislative proposal; introduction, shepherding and passage of any legislative proposal and drafting of implementing rules and regulations pursuant to a law.

Influence on the expenditure of public funds, exercise of any authority conferred by law or formulation or amendment of delegated legislations are also listed as lobbying acts.

Under the bill, persons engaged in direct lobbying are required to register with appropriate registering agencies. Lobbying license is also a mandatory requirement.

Retired or resigned government officials are prohibited from engaging in lobbying within a period of one year from the time of departure from government service.

HB 7835 defines acts prohibited to include lobbying without license; failure to take an annual report of activities; filing of false report and willfully interfering with a person from performing lawful lobbying activities.

Administrative penalty of debarment from acting as lobbyist for a period of one year may be imposed against offenders.

Lobbyists found guilty of submitting false reports  are liable to a fine ranging from P180,000 to P300,000 and imprisonment of six months to two years. 

For interfering or restraining persons engaging in lobbying, the penalty ranges from a fine of P180,000 to P300,000 or six to one year imprisonment or both.