Palace says EO on FOI finished by Thursday night

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang officials met Wednesday with transparency advocates to discuss the executive order (EO) that would enact the freedom of information (FOI) in the executive branch.

 

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the order, one of the campaign promises of Duterte, might be completed Thursday night.

 

“We should finish it tomorrow (July 7) night,” Andanar said in a text message.

 

A photo posted on Twitter by Andanar showed him meeting with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism Executive Director Malou Mangahas, Right to Know Right Now! Coalition co-convenor Nepomuceno Malaluan and lawyers Ryan Acosta, Kris Ablan, and Mara Querol.

 

“Hammering out the details of President Rody Duterte's FOI EO on a holiday. Change is here!” Andanar said in his post.

 

He said the meeting was part of a consultation with stakeholders regarding the EO.  

 

Last Sunday, Andanar said Malacañang legal teams are drafting an EO that would require agencies in the executive branch to disclose details of their transactions and projects.

 

Andanar said the order coincides with Duterte’s promise to promote transparency in government.

 

The EO, however, will only be applicable to the executive branch.

 

Last Monday, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the passage of an FOI law remains a priority of the Duterte administration. An FOI law will require all government branches to release information on matters of public concern.

 

RELATED: Palace: FOI law passage remains a priority

 

The FOI bill was first filed during the 12th Congress but it never got passed partly due to concerns by some lawmakers who are afraid that it might be used to destroy reputations.

 

FOI advocates believe the measure will promote greater transparency and accountability, deter corruption and encourage greater public participation in governance.