Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill supporters plan to reintroduce and push for the approval of the said bill in the incoming 16th Congress.
Re-elected Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat, one of the co-authors of the bill said that the legislators should give priority to the FOI Bill as it is crucial in strengthening the “tuwid na daan” advocacy of the Aquino administration and its campaign against graft and corruption.
The FOI bill seeks to make it easier for people and the media to access public documents, especially those related to bidding of government projects as well as expenditures, this way, there will be greater transparency in government affairs and the way taxpayers’ money is spent, Baguilat explained.
The congressman also sees that the bill has greater chance of approval this time with more members of the ruling Liberal Party winning seats in both the Lower House and the Senate.
Meanwhile, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Malacanang will support the renewed efforts of the bill’s advocates for its approval in the 16th Congress.
The approval of the FOI bill has long been delayed ever since the Arroyo administration. It is one of the controversial bill filed in the 15th Congress, alongside the Reproductive Health Bill, and the Sin Tax Bill, both approved as a law by President Benigno Aquino III.
