House minority has mixed views on FOI Bill

House minority leader Danilo Suarez. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — It is a conscience vote for the House minority bloc in terms of their stand on the Freedom of Information Bill.

House minority leader Danilo Suarez told reporters on Wednesday that their group had mixed views when it comes to the bill which seeks transparency in the government.

He said that they sought to have the right-to-reply provision included in the House version before giving their support for the bill.

“We are asking that they give us ample elbow room. Right now, we are fairly divided,” said Suarez, who maintained that the inclusion of the right-to-reply provision would be “a big help” in securing their votes.

Zambales Representative Mitos Magsaysay however felt that the FOI Bill being pushed in the House was “too watered-down.”

The measure only has seven days left for it to hurdle deliberations at the House. The Senate has earlier passed its version but insisted it was hands off on the House’s method of dealing with the bill.

The minority bloc might not be united in its stand on the FOI measure but Magsaysay said that they would always be present during session.

“We were there yesterday (Tuesday). We were prepared. Maybe you should ask the majority if they want this bill passed,” she said.