President Benigno S. Aquino III. Malacanang Photo Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured the public that the controversial Freedom of Information (FOI) bill will be passed into law before he steps down in 2016.
“It (FOI) will be passed before the end of my term,” Aquino said in response to the question of Ramon Del Rosario Jr., Makati Business Club chairman.
However, Aquino said, “I regret I cannot certify it as urgent because the Constitution requires an emergency.”
Aquino said he already suggested to Congress “certain amendments of the proposed measures that we will make it really a doable activity for government.”
The President was the keynote speaker during the Daylight Dialogue at Malacañang. Participants were given the chance to ask him and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim various questions on good governance.
Although among the campaign promises of Aquino, the FOI bill remains stalled in the House of Representatives. The FOI bill has yet to have a consolidated version since its many versions are still with the technical working group (TWG).
Civil society groups and media organizations have been clamoring for an FOI law since its first version was filed in Congress 21 years ago.
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