New body to review 9 exemptions to freedom of information policy

President Rodrigo Duterte has created a new body that will authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to “review and update” the nine exceptions to the government’s freedom of information (FOI) policy.

Malacañang released on Wednesday Memorandum Circular No. 49 establishing the “Inter-Agency FOI Exceptions Policy Committee,” which will be chaired by representatives of the DOJ and the OSG.

The President’s Executive Order No. 2 mandates full public disclosure of information in all offices under the executive branch, except those falling under any of the exceptions enshrined in the Constitution, existing law or jurisprudence.

It identifies nine exemptions, including documents covered by executive privilege, confidential information relating to national security, defense or international relations and other matters deemed confidential under banking and finance laws. —DJ Yap