Meetings and public comment: Philippines.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · India.

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Meetings and public comment: Philippines

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/meetings-and-public-comment

Public meetings are where many local decisions are made, and many of them take comments from residents. This sheet covers how to follow a meeting and have your say.

Before the meeting

Find the agenda and papers on the body’s website.
Check how it takes comments: in person, in writing or online.
Check if you need to sign up in advance, and any time limit.

A two-minute comment

Name the agenda item.
Say who you are and your connection to the area.
Say how it affects you and what you’d like to happen.
Be courteous, and thank them.

Writing to decision makers

One issue per message, with the topic in the subject line.
Say clearly what you would like them to do.
Keep it short and keep a copy.

Afterwards

Read the minutes to see what was decided.
Follow up in writing if you have more to add.
For voting questions, use only your official election office.

In the Philippines

Council sessions are open. Under the Local Government Code, all sanggunian (local council) sessions are open to the public, unless a majority of members present vote for a closed-door session in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency or morality. Provincial, city and municipal councils hold regular sessions at least once a week, and barangay councils at least twice a month.
The barangay assembly. Registered residents form the barangay assembly, which meets at least twice a year to hear and discuss the barangay council’s report on its activities and finances. Written notice is given a week before a meeting, and the assembly can recommend measures to the barangay council.
Public hearings and consultation. A local tax, fee or charge cannot be enacted without a prior public hearing. National agencies must consult local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations and others concerned before carrying out a project in their area, and need the prior approval of the local council.
Congress. Congress, which makes national laws, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Official places to check:

Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library: elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/53542
Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library: elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/3/353

More free official help in the Philippines: moraph.org/commons/help/civic-engagement/ph

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 20 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/meetings-and-public-comment