Lawmakers push for FOI law

President Rodrigo Duterte signs the executive order on freedom of information. PHOTOS FROM MARO-PCOO

With President Rodrigo Duterte signing an executive order on freedom of information, several lawmakers on Sunday underscored the need to pass an FOI law that will cover the legislative and judicial branches of government.

Senators who sponsored the FOI bill in the previous Congress welcomed the signing of the said order, hoping that the Duterte administration would finally pass an FOI Act.

READ: Duterte signs FOI order

“It’s a very positive development and deserving of commendation. It’s a sign the new administration takes transparency and accountability seriously and is determined to fight anomalies and corruption in the executive branch. The other branches of government should follow their lead and example. We’ve been filing this bill for some time and I hope under this administration, it will finally be passed into law,” Senator Sonny Angara said.

Senator Grace Poe, Duterte’s rival during the 2016 presidential election, described the signing of the EO as a “milestone.”

“There are a lot of things that we need to continue with regard to the Freedom of Information in other branches of government but we await with much anticipation that full implementation in the Executive branch…to our countrymen, we should continue to push for an actual Freedom of Information law that will cover all branches of government,” Poe said in an ANC interview.

Senator Bam Aquino, who filed a bill titled People’s Freedom of Information Act, said that the EO will help in fighting corruption.

“This is a bold step in the right direction, and hopefully, the legislature can follow the President’s lead and institutionalize this into a law as well,” Aquino said.

Members of the House of Representatives also praised the signing of the EO as it would help promote transparency and accountability in the government.

“The new EO will undoubtedly expose wrongdoing such as improper use of public funds, deliberate rigging of contracts, and will make it easier for public advocates and investigative journalists to follow the paper trail as regards issues concerning Executive agencies,” Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said that the ball is now in Congress’ court to pass an “all embracing FOI law.”

“We urge in particular the House leadership to fast track the passage of a genuine FOI bill, one that will truly reflect the principles of full transparency in government and full accountability of government officials and employees,” said Zarate.

FULL TEXT: Executive order on freedom of information

The EO shall cover all government offices under the executive branch, including but not limited to the national government and all its offices, departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges. JE/rga

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