FILIPINO citizens seeking access of information from agencies under the Office of the President can now file their requests as Malacañang led Friday the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the executive branch.
The FOI enforcement is within the bounds of Executive Order (EO) 2 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last July, which called for transparency and full public disclosure of information.
The ceremonial presentation of FOI has been held at the Palace’s Heroes Hall, with the launch of the “electronic FOI” or e-FOI system of 15 pilot agencies.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Duterte administration had passed the EO on FOI because it seeks "real change" by allowing the public "to maximize the right to information and to check on the government."
"Today is a triumphant day not only for the Duterte admin but also to the nation... We take the right few steps in the right direction [as FOI takes effect]," Andanar said in a keynote speech.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the national FOI program should pave the way for an inclusive regulatory framework so that every Filipino will have an access to information.
"In the past, FOI was really a campaign promise. It is just a promise. People were deprived of accessing public information that will be beneficial for the common good," Medialdea said.
"What began and ended as a mere campaign promise in the past has been accomplished in the three weeks under the Duterte administration," he added.
Under EO 2, the public can request any information about the government transactions and operations.
Any Filipino citizen can make an FOI request to a government agency by presenting proof of identification or lodge queries online on website www.foi.gov.ph.
Requesting parties may ask information on official records, public records, and documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development.
An FOI request can be made before all government offices under the executive branch, including government owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges.
The executive order, however, cited nine exceptions, including information covered by executive privilege; privilege information relating to national security, defense or international relations; information concerning law enforcement and protection of public and personal safety.
Also excluded were information deemed confidential for the protection of the privacy of persons and certain individuals like minors, victims of crimes or the accused; documents known by reason of official capacity and deemed confidential; prejudicial, premature disclosure; matters considered confidential under banking and finance laws and amendatory laws; and other exceptions to the right of information under laws, jurisprudence, and rules and regulations. (Sunnex)
