Malacañang ready for FOI implementation on Nov. 25

President Rodrigo Duterte signs the executive order operationalizing freedom of information in the executive branch on July 24, 2016. (Photo from Malacañang Presidential Communications Operations Office)

People seeking information from agencies under the Office of the President may start filing their requests beginning Friday, Nov. 25.

Malacañang on Thursday announced it would start the enforcement of the Freedom of Information (FOI) measure in the executive department with the launch of the “electronic FOI” or e-FOI system of 15 pilot agencies.

Kris Ablan, the Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary, said the project was part of the implementation of President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 2, which imposed FOI in the executive department.

He said the launching of the government website www.FOI.gov.ph would be held exactly 120 days after the President issued the order allowing public access to state offices, documents and projects.

“By tomorrow, all government agencies under the executive branch should be able to have its own People’s FOI Manual so that the public can lodge FOI applications,” Ablan said.

After holding consultations with civil society organizations, he said the Presidential Communications Office, which was tasked to implement Mr. Duterte’s order, was able to trim down the FOI exemptions to nine items.

The exemptions include information covered by executive privilege; matters involving national security, defense and international relations; information on law enforcement and protection of public and personal safety; and matters deemed confidential for the protection of the privacy and certain individuals such as minors, victims of crimes or the accused.

Also protected are information, documents, or records deemed as confidential; prejudicial, premature disclosure; records of proceedings or information from proceedings regarded as confidential or privileged; matters considered confidential under banking and finance laws and their amendatory laws; and other exceptions to the right to information under laws, jurisprudence, and rules and regulations. CBB/rga