House of Representatives to Go Paperless, Adopt Blockchain Technology by 2026
Manila, Philippines — The House of Representatives is set to transition to a paperless legislative system and adopt blockchain technology by 2026, a move lawmakers say will strengthen transparency, data integrity, and efficiency in congressional operations.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III announced the initiative following the ratification of the proposed ₱6.793-trillion national budget, describing the shift as part of a broader modernization effort within Congress. According to Dy, the adoption of blockchain will help ensure that legislative and budgetary records remain secure, tamper-resistant, and verifiable.
Under the plan, official documents, legislative workflows, and internal processes will be digitized, reducing reliance on paper-based systems. The blockchain component is expected to provide an immutable ledger for records, allowing changes and approvals to be tracked and audited. Implementation will be carried out in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The move positions the Philippine House as one of the first legislative bodies in the region to formally integrate blockchain technology into its core operations. Advocates argue that blockchain’s transparency and traceability features could improve public trust, particularly in the handling of budget documents and legislative records.
The House initiative also aligns with earlier blockchain applications within the Philippine government. In recent years, agencies such as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have piloted blockchain-based systems to publish budget releases and financial documents, enabling public verification through digital tools and QR codes.
However, governance and cybersecurity experts caution that while blockchain can protect records from unauthorized alteration, it does not automatically guarantee transparency or accuracy. The integrity of the system ultimately depends on the quality of data entered, oversight mechanisms, and public access policies.
As the 2026 rollout approaches, observers note that the success of the House’s blockchain adoption will hinge on clear implementation guidelines, independent audits, and safeguards to ensure that digital transformation translates into meaningful accountability rather than symbolic modernization.
DWK will continue to monitor developments related to digital governance, legislative transparency, and the cybersecurity implications of blockchain adoption in the Philippine government.
