HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III over the weekend highlighted the House of Representatives’ historic approval of the proposed Right to Information (RTI) Act, saying the landmark measure reflects the Chamber’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
Speaking through Isabela 6th District Board Member Amador Gaffud Jr. during the induction ceremony of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)-Isabela Chapter, Dy said accountants play a crucial role in ensuring that public institutions remain worthy of the people’s trust.
“Madalas nating sabihin na ang accountants ay mahusay sa numero. Totoo naman. Ngunit higit pa roon, kayo ang mga propesyunal na nagbabantay ng integridad ng ating mga institusyon,” Dy said.
“Sa likod ng bawat negosyo, bawat lokal na pamahalaan, bawat korporasyon, at bawat pampublikong programa ay may mga taong nagsisiguro na tama ang bilang, malinaw ang pananagutan, at may tiwala ang publiko.”
Dy noted that before the First Regular Session adjourned, the House finally approved the long-awaited Right to Information Act alongside the proposed eBayad Act, major steps toward institutionalizing transparency and modernizing government services.
“The good news is we are not just talking about good governance; ito ay isinasabatas na,” he said.
“Pareho silang nakaugat sa iisang prinsipyo—na ang bawat sentimo ng pondo ng bayan ay dapat mapamahalaan nang mahusay, malinaw, at may pananagutan.”
“Because good governance is not measured by how much government spends. It is measured by how responsibly every peso is managed.”
The Speaker said that while artificial intelligence, automation, and digital finance continue to reshape the accounting profession, integrity remains its greatest strength.
“But as technology changes the way we work, one thing must never change: Integrity will always be your greatest asset,” he said.
“Systems will become faster. Software will become smarter. But trust will always be built by people.”
Looking ahead to the Second Regular Session of Congress, Dy said the House will continue pursuing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, accelerate the government’s digital transformation, and strengthen transparency and fiscal responsibility.
He stressed that these reforms cannot succeed without the participation of professionals such as accountants.
“Alam naming hindi magiging matagumpay ang mga repormang ito kung wala ang aktibong pakikilahok ng mga propesyunal na tulad ninyo,” Dy said.
“Kaya asahan ninyo na ang Kamara ay patuloy na makikipagtulungan sa mga sektor tulad ng PICPA upang makabuo ng mga batas na praktikal, makabago, at tunay na makatutulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.”
metrosundaily
