Committee report on FOI bill filed

The freedom of information (FOI) bill has taken another baby step on the long road to passage at the House of Representatives.

On Monday, the public information and appropriations panels formally filed the committee report on the bill to the Office of the Secretary General, after which the bill goes to the rules committee, where it will be calendared for business and action in the plenary session.

The target is to pass the bill before Congress adjourns in mid-June.

The measure, which consolidated more than 20 versions of individual lawmakers, is now known as House Bill No. 5801, according to public information committee chair, Misamis Occidental Rep. Jorge Almonte.

Supported by civil society and media groups, the FOI bill has languished in the lower chamber, with President Aquino refusing to certify it as urgent in spite of a public clamor.–DJ Yap