Know Your Rights When Dealing with Government Agencies

Every day, Filipinos deal with government agencies to obtain documents, secure permits, request records, apply for services, or resolve complaints. When a government transaction becomes delayed or confusing, knowing your legal rights can help you determine what you can properly do.

The law provides several protections to citizens dealing with government offices.

The Right to Information

The 1987 Constitution, under Article III, Section 7, recognizes the people's right to information on matters of public concern. It also provides access to official records and documents relating to official acts, transactions, or decisions, subject to limitations provided by law.

This means that citizens may, when the law allows, seek access to government information and records concerning matters of public concern.

The Right to Due Process

Citizens are also protected by due process of law. Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The Constitution also recognizes the right to a speedy disposition of cases before judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative bodies under Article III, Section 16.

These protections are important when a government action or proceeding may affect a person's rights or property.
Government agencies are also required to follow their prescribed procedures and processing periods.

Under Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, government agencies must indicate their procedures, documentary requirements, fees, responsible officers, and processing times in their Citizen's Charter.

For covered transactions, the law generally provides maximum processing periods of 3 working days for simple transactions, 7 working days for complex transactions, and 20 working days for highly technical transactions, subject to the qualifications and exceptions provided by law and the agency's Citizen's Charter.

What If the Agency Does Not Act?
Consider Jane, who submits a complete application to a government office. She follows the requirements stated in the agency's Citizen's Charter, but the office does not act within the applicable processing period.

Instead of simply giving up, Jane may review the Citizen’s Charter to determine the applicable processing period and the steps she can take. Under Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, government agencies are required to follow prescribed procedures and processing periods for covered transactions. The law also provides mechanisms for filing complaints when these requirements are not followed, including through the appropriate government offices, depending on the circumstances.

Jane’s situation shows that knowing your rights is only the first step. It is equally important to know how to properly exercise those rights, document your transactions, observe applicable deadlines, and determine what remedies are available when a government office fails to act.

Your rights matter. Understanding them and knowing when to seek proper legal assistance can help you deal with government agencies with greater clarity and confidence.