Technology-neutral framework pushed in CADENA bill discussions

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A technology-neutral approach to digital transparency and accountability systems was among the key points raised during discussions on the House version of the counterpart measure to Senate Bill No. 1506 introduced by Senator Bam Aquino.

The discussions focused on ensuring that future accountability laws remain adaptable as technologies continue to evolve, instead of locking government systems into a single platform or vendor.

Ann Cuisia, a tech advocate and Founder and CEO of TraXion Tech, a Philippine-based technology firm, said legislation should focus on governance principles and intended outcomes rather than mandating a specific technology.

“The old framing risks locking the law into one specific technology. But technology changes. Public accountability should not,” she said.

According to Cuisia, the Senate version of the proposed CADENA bill would allow government agencies to adopt the best available technologies while strengthening transparency, traceability, and data sovereignty.

She noted that the measure supports structured and tamper-evident records that could improve the monitoring of public expenditures and government transactions across agencies and systems.

“This is the heart of CADENA: citizens should not merely be told that funds were spent. They should be able to see how funds moved, who handled them, what documents support them, and whether the records have remained intact,” she said.

Cuisia also emphasized that public fiscal information should remain under Philippine control while allowing agencies flexibility in choosing technologies that best fit operational requirements.

The proposed bill continues to form part of broader discussions on how digital technologies can be used to improve transparency, accountability, and public trust in government systems.

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