PH most-corrupt tag makes passing FOI bill necessary–Tañada

Deputy House Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III. PHOTO BY RYAN LEAGOGO

MANILA, Philippines—The recent Transparency International (TI) report showing that the Philippines is perceived to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world is one very good reason to pass the freedom of information (FOI) bill as soon as possible, according to the measure’s main proponent.

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III said, “I just hope my fellow lawmakers read the report to be convinced.”

In the TI report, the Philippines scored 34 out of 100 in the corruption perception index—with 100 considered as being very clean.

TI-Philippines said the report showed the country needed to take more action to improve on how things are done. One of the steps it recommended was passing the FOI bill.

The FOI bill mandates full public disclosure of government dealings involving the public interest, subject to limitations such as that relating to national security and defense.

The bill is snagged in Congress. Its introduction in the plenary for floor deliberations and voting on second reading was put off pending another hearing ostensibly to approve the committee report.

Tañada said he was resigned to the fact that another meeting would have to be called before the bill could finally be tackled on the floor and put to a vote.