CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, -President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Freedom of Information (FOI) to show his determined effort in promoting transparency in the government.
Thus, the common view of some local folks in Central Luzon as they expressed belief that President is indeed serious in its fight against graft and corruption.
“The mere fact that President Duterte signed an executive order (EO) on FOI is a demonstration of his strong commitment to promote transparency. This is a good sign to regain the people’s trust and confidence to our leaders,” said Victor Talens, a businessman from Nueva Ecija.
Armand Galang of the Novo Chronicle said the FOI order would allow media’s right to information .
“This is a good development for us in the media. Through FOI, we will have access to records and documents which are vital in our task in providing information to the public,” said Galang.
Meanwhile, former Nueva Ecija Representative Rodolfo Antonino said Congress had to make sure there were “enough safeguards” to ensure that a freedom of information bill “would not be used for mischief against other persons.”
The FOI order outlines: “every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for public document.” (PNA)/LDV/ZST/PS