Even though the Constitution of the Philippines protects citizens’ right to access official records and research data used in policymaking, the absence of a comprehensive right-to-information law has left implementation subject to executive discretion. In a recent article published in InsiderPH on April 6, 2026, J.J. Disini, Country Researcher for the Philippines for LIRNEasia’s D4D Asia Project, highlights gaps in the country’s data governance framework despite constitutional guarantees of access to government information.
Drawing on recent research commissioned by LIRNEasia, Disini notes that fragmented data platforms, limited inter-agency coordination, and siloed information systems continue to restrict access to government data. In addition, agencies frequently invoke the Data Privacy Act to avoid sharing data, even in cases where personal data protections do not apply, resulting in risk-averse behavior and reduced data use for policymaking.
He argues that improving data governance requires stronger interoperability, coordinated data management, and recognition of data as a strategic public resource. While institutions such as the Philippine Statistics Authority demonstrate the government’s capacity to collect valuable datasets, limited access and technical fragmentation prevent their effective use. Disini points to the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12254 as a positive step, as it mandates integrated government networks, secure APIs, and shared data systems to address siloed information. With this framework now in place, the focus shifts to implementation, with improved data accessibility and interoperability seen as key to strengthening evidence-based policymaking, transparency, and public trust.
Read the full article in the InsiderPH
