Budget dep’t backs freedom of info bill

The Department of Budget and Management supports the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, saying it is consistent with the goal of the Aquino administration to promote transparency.

“Yes, we support it as it is geared toward transparency,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad told reporters on Wednesday after the launch of two budget-related programs at the DBM headquarters in Manila.

However, Abad said the DBM had given its proposed amendments to the original bill. The highlight of the inputs from the budget department is the creation of an institution that will serve as a mediator between government agencies and citizens requesting information from said agencies.

Under DBM’s proposal, citizens who are dissatisfied with a government agency’s response to requests for information may file complaints with the mediating institution.

On the other hand, government agencies may discuss with the mediating institution about certain information that should not be disclosed even if a request for it to be made public has been made.

“Of course, there are also information that should remain confidential,” Abad said. He cited information involving national security.