Las Piñas Lone District Representative Mark Anthony Santos has renewed his call for the immediate passage of the long-delayed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, following his expression of support for the proposal to restore public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of government officials.
Santos emphasized that both measures are vital in strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in government institutions.
“Transparency shouldn’t end with the disclosure of SALNs. Citizens have the right to know how government operates and how public funds are being spent. Through the FOI Bill, people are empowered to hold their leaders accountable,” the lawmaker explained.
The FOI Bill—pending in Congress for over three decades—seeks to institutionalize the constitutional right of citizens to access information on public matters. It mandates all government agencies to disclose records, contracts, and transactions upon request, except for those covered by legitimate exemptions.
Santos underscored that passing the FOI Bill would reinforce the Office of the Ombudsman’s initiative to reopen public access to SALNs, creating a broader and stronger framework for transparency and integrity in governance.
“The restoration of public access to SALNs is a major victory for transparency, but it’s only the beginning. We must push for the passage of the FOI law so that openness and honesty become the norm—not the exception—in government,” he added.
Santos also urged his fellow lawmakers to prioritize the measure in the 20th Congress, noting that it is long overdue and essential to a more accountable government.