Aquino silent on FOI but ally says ‘there’s still hope’

MANILA, Philippines – For the third time, President Benigno Aquino III did not mention the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in his annual report despite a campaign promise to support the measure.

Aquino was silent on the bill during his 90-minute State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 23, at the Batasan Pambansa.

Quezon Rep Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III, an Aquino ally and partymate, admitted that he was dismayed but said the omission is not a sign that the bill can no longer be passed this year.

“Of course, as the principal author of the Freedom of Information Bill, I’m a bit sad that he failed to mention FOI but still, it does not mean there is no hope.”

In an interview after the SONA, Tañada cited the statements of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr in the opening session of Congress.

Earlier that day, Enrile said, “Discussion on the FOI bill, which we now call People’s Ownership over Government Information (POGI) under Senate Bill No 3208, is important because it will establish the guiding policy to the public’s access to basic information about the government operations.”

Belmonte said that like the Reproductive Health (RH bill), it is time the House finally put the FOI bill to a vote. “Let the chips fall where they may.”

The FOI bill seeks to give flesh to the Constitutional provisions recognizing Filipinos’ right to information on matters of public concern, and the state’s duty to disclose this information.

The measure has been languishing in Congress for more than a decade. After assuming office, Aquino has expressed misgivings about the FOI bill, saying it may be misused.

In January 2012, Malacañang transmitted to the House its recommendations on the FOI bill.

Challenge with the House

Tañada said he accepted the Palace’s proposals and included it in the bill he authored.

He stressed that the challenge to pass the bill lies primarily with the House of Representatives because the Senate is already discussing the FOI bill in plenary.

The lawmaker said the House Committee on Public Information must pass the FOI by August 7.

“If we hurdle that, there’s a good chance that this bill may be enacted into law so it will need the help of the people, civil society, our friends in media to make sure that our friends from Congress will truly support the Freedom of Information bill.”  

Tañada said like all legislative measures, the chief executive’s political will is crucial to ensure the passage of the FOI bill.

“I think the President knows already my position on this and I think at the end of the day, it is the political will of each and every congressman and woman if they believe in freedom of information and accountability.” 

“If they do believe, I think they will find it in their hearts to pass the bill.” – Rappler.com