Poe pushes 'plain writing' bill in Senate

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe is pushing for a bill that would mandate government offices avoid difficult words and phrases in all communications.

“Do away with difficult words and phrases that confuse the public—this is what this bill is all about. We want government to effectively serve millions of ordinary Filipinos who often take time understanding public documents,” said Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public information and mass media.

The Senate newcomer is pushing for Senate Bill No. 1092 or the "Plain Writing for Public Service Act," which mandates all government agencies to adopt "plain writing" in all their communications to promote government efficiency.

The senator's office said that the bill is patterned after United States' U.S. Plain Writing Law passed in 2010.

In the bill, plain writing is defined as writing and preparations that are clear, concise and well-organized, following best practices suited to the subject or audience.

"Plain writing should be used in documents such as information about government services and benefits, documents for obtaining said benefits, those that explain to the public how to meet government requirements, and other key documents," Poe said.

The bill designates the Civil Service Commission to lead the implementation and issue guidelines for plain writing. It also mandates the training of all government employees in plain writing.