CADENA Act Sets New Standards for Blockchain Transparency
The Philippines Senate renamed SB 1330 as the CADENA Act, shifting from a blockchain-specific law to an outcomes-based governance framework that emphasizes blockchain transparency. The Act mandates verifiable, tamper-evident blockchain records for all government transactions and establishes an open-source CADENA platform linked to PhilGEPS and DICT systems. It enshrines governance standards for data publishing, interoperability, and independent oversight under a new National Budget and Transparency Accountability Council. Violations carry fines up to ₱3 million and prison terms of 6–15 years. Phase 1 mandates public disclosure of all agency budgets within nine months post-enactment, targeted for Q1 2026. This push for blockchain transparency could strengthen confidence in public-sector DLT solutions, clarify regulations, and support broader crypto adoption, though short-term price effects on major tokens are likely neutral.
Neutral
The CADENA Act sets a clear regulatory framework, boosting trust in distributed ledger tech for public finance. Improved transparency standards can encourage institutional interest in blockchain solutions, laying groundwork for long-term adoption and potential demand increase for blockchain platforms and services. However, as the Act does not target specific cryptocurrencies or authorize public token issuance, and its full rollout is two years away, immediate market catalysts are lacking. Traders should thus expect neutral price impact in the short term, while the clarity and governance provisions may underpin gradual bullish sentiment over time.