At A Glance
- House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has followed through with his vow to facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology in the legislative chamber by announcing the development of the "House Book" app.
The House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has followed through with his vow to facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology in the legislative chamber by announcing the development of the “House Book” app.
In his plenary speech Monday, Jan. 26, Dy described House Book app as a key component of the House of Representatives’ shift to blockchain-enabled, fully digital processes aimed at making congressional work more transparent, accessible, and accountable to the public.
According to the Isabela 6th district congressman, digitalization is central to restoring public trust and ensuring openness in government.
“Panahon na upang palakasin ang mga hakbang laban sa korapsyon. Panahon na upang bumuo ng mga sistemang magbibigay-linaw sa pondo at magbabalik ng tiwala ng taumbayan sa pamahalaan,” Dy said.
(It is time to strengthen measures against corruption. It is time to build systems that will bring transparency to public funds and restore the people’s trust in government.)
The Speaker said the House was working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to introduce blockchain technology that will allow public access to congressional processes and documents.
“Together with the DICT, we will introduce blockchain technology to make the processes and documents of the House more accessible to the public. Ito ay malinaw na mensahe: wala tayong itinatago, wala tayong pinagtatakpan, at bukas tayo sa pagsusuri ng sambayanan"(This is a clear message: we are hiding nothing, we are covering up nothing, and we are open to the scrutiny of the people)," he said.
Dy revealed that discussions with DICT Secretary Henry Aguda have already progressed toward the development of a dedicated House Book.
“With this app, House members and staff will be able to monitor committee roll calls, track the number of votes, and manage the huge volume of documents, among others,” he explained
“The goal is a fully digital and paperless Congress that is faster and more efficient,” added the House head honcho.
The Speaker said these reforms are part of a long-term institutional transformation of the House.
“These are only the initial steps toward a House that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of the people’s trust.”