After decades of attempts, the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) measure has finally passed the committee level in the House of Representatives, marking a major step toward transparency and accountability in government.
Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan, who chaired the Technical Working Group (TWG) that drafted the substitute bill, welcomed the development and emphasized its long-awaited progress.
“This measure, which our freedom-of-information champions have described as ’30 years in the making’ would not only prove to be beneficial to our citizens, but also to the government,” Yamsuan said.
“Para rin ito sa kapakanan ng gobyerno. Maiiwasan na ang mga sitwasyon na maakusahan ang mga namumuno dito nang kung ano-ano if ang decisions and actions ay documented naman lahat at maaring ma-access ng publiko,” he added.
House Committee on Public Information chair Lordan Suan commended Yamsuan’s leadership in steering discussions, particularly on contentious provisions, noting that the TWG incorporated valuable inputs from members and stakeholders.
Among the bill’s key provisions:
- Mandatory publication of government programs, projects, contractors, procurement plans, budgets, expenditures, and disbursements on official websites.
- Public disclosure of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of officials and employees, with protection for sensitive details involving minor children.
Yamsuan said the measure will help curb disinformation and strengthen fact-checking.
“We want transparency, we want people to know the right information. It is a bill that would lessen the proliferation of fake news. Fact checking would be easier,” he said.
Lawmakers stressed that the FOI bill is expected to enhance accountability and empower citizens through improved access to public information.