Veteran Journalist Lucia Tangi eyes Digital Document Classification Law as AI Reshapes Nation

• Courtesy of Lucia Palpal-latoc-Tangi

Veteran journalist and University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Journalism, College of Mass Communication Associate Dean Lucia Palpal-latoc-Tangi is set to discuss a proposal for a Digital Document Classification law at the first Right to Information (RTI) Research Conference on October 20.

Tangi, who will serve as a research presenter at the conference, said the proposal comes as the Philippines accelerates its digital transformation and adoption of artificial intelligence, raising questions about whether existing government rules on document classification remain appropriate in the digital age.

“As the nation accelerates its digital transformation and artificial intelligence stage, the persistence of Memorandum Circular No. 78 becomes an obstacle to the implementation of the people’s right to information,” Tangi said in a social media post.

Tangi is expected to discuss her proposal for a Digital Document Classification law and its implications for the public’s right to information during the conference.

The discussion will put a spotlight on Memorandum Circular No. 78 and the classification of government information at a time when more public services, records, and government processes are moving to digital platforms.

The first Right to Information Research Conference will be held online via Zoom on October 20, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m.

Tangi is a veteran and reputable journalist who currently serves as Associate Dean of the University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Journalism, College of Mass Communication.

Tangi is also a columnist for TechWatchPH, where she writes PEDAGOGY IN PIXELS, a column focused on the intersection of education and technology.