Palace sees no reason not to support FOI Bill in 16th Congress

Malacanang sees no reason not support the re-introducion of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill in the incoming 16th Congress.

"Wala naman tayong problema dyan (We don't have problem with that)," said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a radio interview on Sunday at Radyo ng Bayan.

In fact, Valte said the Palace has its own version of th proposed measure which was submitted during the 15th Congress.

"Natuwa naman po tayo na marami po iyong ating mga provisions na na-incorporate sa sari-sarili nilang versions (We were even pleased that some of our provisions were incorporated in the version of the Senate and the House of Representatives)," she said.

In the 15th Congress, the Senate was able to pass the bill before the end of 2012, but their counterparts in the House of Representatives failed to do so.

Reelected Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat said he will continue to fight for the passage of the FOI Bill and other key bills that may not be acted on before the 15th Congress ends its work in June.

Baguilat, who is a member of the Public Information committee of the House of Representatives, said that the FOI needs to remain at the forefront of public's consciousness as it is crucial to the government's campaign to eradicate graft and corruption.

"We should make FOI a priority in the next congress as it is crucial in strengthening the Tuwid na Daan advocacy," the Ifugao solon said.

Baguilat, a key member of the dominant Liberal Party, expressed optimism that with more party members winning seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, major reform bills such as the FOI should have a greater chance of eventually becoming laws.

The FOI bill seeks to make it easier for the public to access public documents, especially those related to bidding of government projects as well as the allocation of government spending. This way, there will be greater transparency in government affairs and the way that taxpayers' money is being spent.

However, the proposed measure has met stiff opposition and was unable to get through the committee due to serious disagreements on its provisions. (PNA)