Senate approves freedom of info bill, basic education voucher
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed People’s Freedom of Information Act and Basic Education Voucher Program Act.
Senate Bill No. 1432, or the People’s Freedom of Information Act, seeks to provide the public with easier access to official government records, documents, and research data.
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Authored by Sen. Joel Villanueva, the measure requires the president, vice president, members of the Cabinet, members of Congress, justices of the Supreme Court, members of constitutional commissions, as well as officers of the Armed Forces with general or flag rank, to disclose and post their annual Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth on their official websites.
Government agencies, meanwhile, must publish public-interest records on their websites, including budget expenditures, bids, procurement plans, debts, and contracts worth P50 million or more.
Under Senate Bill No. 1432, information on national security or defense, law enforcement matters, and executive sessions of Congress is confidential.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 1981 seeks to decongest public schools, expand access to education, and strengthen safeguards against corruption through a unified voucher system for basic education.
Authored by Sen. Bam Aquino, the measure aims to address classroom shortages in public schools nationwide through educational vouchers that will allow students to transfer to participating private schools.
Once enacted, a nationwide K–12 voucher program will allow students from overcrowded public schools to enroll in participating private schools. /mcm
