Group cites need to pass FOI bill

MANILA, Philippines - A Transparency International (TI) official reiterated yesterday the need to pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to help improve the country’s standing against corruption.

“I think it should be given priority. This is what we are concerned about. I think this administration’s desire to make sure that the FOI Act does not impair any of the strides (on corruption) that we are having,” Dean Georgina Encanto, president of TI, said.

A former dean of the University of the Philippines’ mass communication department, Encanto noted that the Aquino administration has become very cautious in enacting the FOI bill. 

 “I supposed the President and his Cabinet officials have certain concerns but I think it will be given progress… We hope it will be passed by next year,” Encanto added.

During the press launch of the 15th conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) at the Senate yesterday, Encanto presented the 2010 study of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), which showed how the past Arroyo administration tried to cover up corruption, with former first gentleman Juan Miguel Arroyo filing 43 libel cases against journalists.

Encanto also noted that under the Aquino administration, there are three Malacañang versions of the FOI, which specify some “worrisome exemptions” including the issue of national security and diplomatic relations.

The FOI, which has been discussed and debated for the last 14 years, is of “paramount importance to all who want a “daang matuwid’ (straight path form of governance),” Encanto said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Edgardo Angara said members of the media should not be deterred from exposing corruption despite the pending passage of the FOI bill.