Villanueva advances ‘Crowdsourcing Act’ to empower citizens in lawmaking
Mike Manalaysay February 25, 2026 at 08:12 PM
MANILA — On the occasion of the EDSA People Power Day, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his call for the passage of House Bill 7147, or the proposed “Crowdsourcing Act,” a measure designed to allow Filipinos to directly participate in the legislative process through online platforms.
In a bid to translate the spirit of People Power into concrete governance, Villanueva emphasized that citizen involvement should not be restricted to the past but embedded in institutions.
“The true essence of People Power is not confined to a single historic moment. It must be embedded in our institutions,” he said. “Through this measure, we open wide the doors of legislation and governance to the Filipino people wherever they are — at home or abroad.”
The bill seeks to establish official online portals where citizens can submit legislative ideas, petitions, or campaigns to review, amend, or repeal laws. These submissions would be considered by congressional committees and acknowledged through feedback reports, ensuring that public input becomes part of deliberations.
The measure also mandates the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to provide a platform for initiating campaigns that can be transmitted to Congress for appropriate action. Safeguards under the Data Privacy Act and monitoring systems to track public sentiment are likewise included.
Villanueva underscored that the Constitution’s declaration of sovereignty residing in the people must evolve in the digital age. “We must take advantage of the technological advancement to give flesh to this principle,” he said.
In closing, Villanueva highlighted the democratic impact of the bill.
“By bridging the gap between the people and the halls of legislation, this measure makes policymaking more democratic, participative, transparent, inclusive, and responsive. In doing this, we give more voice to the real people power,” Rep. Villanueva ended.
📷 CIBAC