Senator Robinhood Padilla, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, has sponsored Senate Bill No. 1432, also known as the People’s Freedom of Information Act, which seeks to mandate full public disclosure and integrity in government service.
In his sponsorship speech on October 1, Padilla said the proposed measure — identified as one of the priority legislations under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) — aims to remove barriers to transparency and foster a culture of accountability across all branches and agencies of government.
“The passage of this bill is not just about granting access to information; it is about ensuring that honesty and openness become the foundations of governance,” Padilla stressed during his speech.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joel Villanueva also called on the chamber to expedite the passage of the bill, saying it will strengthen not only transparency and accountability but also the people’s right to access government records and information.
“This measure is more than just about government openness; it is about empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in governance,” Villanueva emphasized.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito likewise expressed his full support, describing the measure as a way to build a government unafraid to share the power of information with the people.
Among those who also expressed their support for Padilla’s bill were Senators Villanueva, Ejercito, Bong Go, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, Kiko Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.