PH Senate approves Freedom of Information bill on final reading

The Senate approved Senate Bill No. 1432, also known as the People's Freedom of Information Act, on its third and final reading on Monday.

This legislation seeks to improve transparency by making government records, documents, and research data more accessible to the public.

If enacted into law, this measure will expand the scope of Executive Order No. 2, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

While the original order upholds the public’s right to information, its application is currently limited to agencies within the executive branch.

The proposed legislation will extend coverage to all three branches of government—the executive, legislative, and judiciary—as well as constitutional bodies and local government units.

The legislation will also apply to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), government instrumentalities, and state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Under this legislation, high-ranking officials—including the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, members of constitutional commissions, and military officers with general or flag rank—will be required to disclose and publish their annual statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) on their official websites.

Government agencies will also be mandated to post key transactions and records involving public interest online. This includes budget expenditures, procurement plans, bidding contracts, debts, and all contracts amounting to at least P50 million.

However, the measure excludes information classified as confidential under existing laws. This specifically applies to matters related to national security, defense, law enforcement, foreign affairs, presidential communications privilege, and executive sessions of Congress.

Senator Robinhood Padilla, the sponsor of the People's Freedom of Information Act, stated that the bill aims to remove barriers to transparency and foster a culture of accountability across government institutions.

He noted that providing the public with easy access to information will significantly aid in the effort to combat fake news and disinformation.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva, the author of the bill, noted that in addition to improving transparency, the proposed measure aims to empower citizens to become more involved in governance.

-Paraluman News