The Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1432 or the People’s Freedom of Information Act seeking to provide the public with easy access to official government records, documents, and research data.
Once enacted, the bill will expand Executive Order No. 2 issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which recognizes the people’s right to information, but only covers agencies under the executive department.
The proposed measure will cover the three branches of government, as well as constitutional bodies and local governments.
The proposed measure will cover the three branches of government—the executive, legislative, and judiciary, as well as constitutional bodies and local governments.
It will also cover government-owned and controlled corporations, government instrumentalities, and state universities and colleges.
Under the proposed measure, the President, Vice President, Members of the Cabinet, Members of Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of Constitutional Commissions, as well as Officers of the Armed Forces with General or Flag rank, are required to disclose and post their annual statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) on their official websites.
Meanwhile, government agencies will be required to publish on their websites transactions, documents or records that involve public interest, such as budget expenditures, bidding contracts, procurement plans, debts, and contracts worth P50 million and up.
However, the measure does not cover details on information declared confidential by law, especially those pertaining to national security or defense, law enforcement, foreign affairs, presidential communications privilege, and information in executive sessions of Congress.
“The People’s Freedom of Information Act will remove barriers to transparency and promote a culture of accountability across government institutions.”
Senator Robin Padilla, sponsor of the measure, said the People’s Freedom of Information Act will remove barriers to transparency and promote a culture of accountability across government institutions.
Padilla added that providing the public with easy access to information will make it easier to fight fake news and disinformation.
Relatedly, Senator Joel Villanueva, author of the bill, said that apart from improving transparency, the proposed measure will also empower citizens to be more involved in governance.
