EDITORIAL: Why We Doubt Congress Will Pass the CADENA Act

• TechWatch PH

EDITORIAL

We are beginning to doubt whether the House of Representatives will ever pass the CADENA Act. And recent developments have only deepened that concern.

The Senate unanimously approved the measure, 17-0, in December 2025. Senator Bam Aquino has repeatedly called for its passage, while a coalition of technology and civic groups led by Ann Cuisia has urged the House to act.

The House has taken some steps. Its Science and Technology Committee approved the measure, but the bill has remained stalled at the Appropriations Committee.

Meanwhile, BetterGov.PH has demonstrated what technology can accomplish. By comparing the proposed 2027 budget with the House version, it identified 7,465 inserted or adjusted projects for public examination. These changes do not necessarily indicate corruption, but they show how technology can make budget decisions more transparent.

Imagine what could be accomplished if the CADENA Act institutionalized this level of scrutiny across government spending.

This raises a legitimate question: Could the prospect of greater public scrutiny be contributing to the lack of urgency in Congress?

There is no evidence establishing that connection. But the continued delay deserves an explanation, especially when the House has demonstrated its ability to move other legislation forward.

We therefore call on Speaker Bojie Dy to prioritize the measure and establish a clear timetable for its passage.

If Congress is sincere about fighting corruption, the CADENA Act offers an opportunity to turn promises of transparency into law.