WikiLegis Act (Proposed)
A Law Institutionalizing a Wikipedia-Style Platform for Drafting Proposed Laws
The WikiLegis Act establishes a publicly accessible, Wikipedia-style online platform where citizens, legal experts, government officials, and civil society groups can collaboratively draft proposed laws. Every edit is tracked with full transparency, and discussions are held in a separate “Talk” section for consensus-building.
The platform shall be managed by an independent, non-partisan board composed of representatives from universities, civic organizations, and IT professionals. All users must register with verified identities to ensure accountability while encouraging open, diverse participation.
Once a proposed bill reaches at least 80% completion in form - based on predefined formatting and content guidelines - it may be formally submitted by any citizen directly to any lawmaker, such as a Congressman, Senator, or local legislator, for review and potential enactment into law.
This law redefines democratic participation by turning ordinary citizens into co-authors of legislation, bridging the gap between public voice and actual lawmaking. It promotes transparency, civic education, and responsive governance using the power of collaborative digital tools.
This proposal is submitted with the hope that it will be enacted for the benefit of the people.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. XXXX
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A WIKIPEDIA-STYLE PLATFORM FOR DRAFTING PROPOSED LAWS AND PROMOTING PARTICIPATORY LAWMAKING, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Section 1. Short Title.
This Act shall be known as the "WikiLegis Act."
Section 2. Declaration of Policy.
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to enhance democratic participation, transparency, and civic education through technology. The State recognizes the right of citizens to actively engage in legislative development. This Act institutionalizes a publicly accessible, collaborative online platform for lawmaking, where verified individuals may co-author, discuss, and improve proposed laws.
Section 3. Definition of Terms.
For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall mean:
- WikiLegis Platform - A government-administered, Wikipedia-style website that enables collaborative lawmaking by registered citizens.
- Verified User - A person who has completed identity verification using a government-issued ID or equivalent digital authentication system.
- Talk Section - A feature of the platform allowing open discussion on each proposed bill.
- Completion Threshold - The point at which a proposed law draft is considered 80% complete based on predefined content and format requirements.
- Management Board - The independent body responsible for overseeing the platform’s technical, ethical, and editorial operations.
Section 4. Coverage.
This Act shall apply to all Filipino citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, who wish to participate in collaborative lawmaking through the WikiLegis Platform. Government agencies, universities, and civic organizations may also serve as contributors and technical partners.
Section 5. Creation and Operation of the WikiLegis Platform.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Law Center and accredited IT experts, shall develop and maintain the WikiLegis Platform.
The platform shall:
- Allow users to collaboratively draft proposed laws;
- Publicly log all changes and authorship details;
- Include a “Talk Section” for constructive discussion and debate;
- Host a bill tracking system to monitor progress toward the completion threshold.
Section 6. Governance and User Participation.
An independent, non-partisan Management Board shall be established, composed of representatives from the academe, civil society, information technology, and public administration. The Board shall:
- Review and update content guidelines;
- Enforce the Code of Conduct for users;
- Vet and train moderators;
- Ensure data privacy and security compliance.
Only verified users shall be allowed to draft or edit proposed laws. An acknowledgment system shall give public credit to all contributors.
Section 7. Submission to Congress.
Once a proposed bill reaches at least 80% completion, any verified user may formally submit the draft to a Member of Congress, a Senator, or a local legislator for potential endorsement and filing. The legislator shall not be obligated to file the proposal but must provide written acknowledgment within 15 days of receipt.
Section 8. Data Protection and Platform Integrity.
All data submitted through the WikiLegis Platform shall be protected under Republic Act No. 10173, or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.” The DICT shall implement cybersecurity protocols to protect platform integrity and prevent manipulation or sabotage.
Section 9. Funding.
The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current budget of the DICT. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The DICT may also enter into partnerships with public or private academic institutions for additional funding and technical support.
Section 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DICT, in coordination with the University of the Philippines Law Center, the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and representatives from civil society and information technology sectors, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Section 11. Separability Clause.
If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 12. Effectivity Clause.
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.