Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda has announced the creation  of an inter-agency team tasked with “the drafting of the Freedom of Information  Bill as far as the executive branch is concerned.”

We in the Right to Know, Right Now! (RTKRN) Coalition recognize Malacañang’s prerogative to closely examine the proposed Freedom of Information Bill that has been the focus of our 15-year advocacy work in four Philippine Congresses in succession. Indeed, while the bill covers all branches and levels of government, the implementation of an FOI law will rest mainly on the executive as the biggest generator and custodian of information. We envision an FOI law that will be a living document and effective norm of transparency in government, and in achieving this, no less than clear and solid support from the Executive is a critical factor. Toward this end, we have time and again expressed our readiness for dialogue to address whatever concerns some officials in the Executive branch reportedly continue to harbor about the FOI bill.
 
We fear, however, that Malacañang’s enunciated approach of drafting its own FOI bill could simply throw a monkey wrench into its long-overdue legislation. For one, it sends a signal to the Congress to slow down on the legislative process because Malacañang has yet to start crafting its version. For another, Malacañang’s lack of decisive support for FOI has been interpreted by many sectors as clear resistance, in fact, to the measure. This can only embolden opponents of the bill in Congress. Additionally, Malacañang’s approach could result in a bill that may have far less to offer in terms of substance and structure, or even as confused as the initial yield of memorandum circulars from the Palace.

Already, majority of the bills filed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate Houses has been built on the bicameral conference committee version that needed only the ratification by the House of Representatives in the 14th Congress – as penultimate step before it is transmitted to the President for approval. But the sudden death of the FOI bill had been told and retold – it was killed by deceit, a sheer miscounting of the number of legislators present on the floor on the last session day of the House.

In the present Congress, committee hearings have already been conducted in both Houses. We note that representatives of Executive agencies have been invited to these hearings, and many of them have dutifully submitted their comments in writing.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Erin Tañada as chairman of the technical working group has circulated a draft of the proposed consolidation of the bills, which has been further refined precisely to address the reported concerns of some officials from Malacañang and other executive agencies.

Finally, we would like to stress what should have been a basic premise of Malacañang’s decision to enroll two bills on whistleblower protection among the priority bills it has submitted to the Joint Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.  A good, effective and vigorous FOI bill is logically both predicate and framework law to any whistleblower protection act.   

In light of the foregoing, we humbly submit that instead of drafting its own bill, Malacañang would do well to adopt a more straightforward and good-faith approach by directing its inter-agency team to adopt Representative Tañada’s proposed consolidation bill as its reference point. It can then identify specifically what changes it still proposes to make and subject these proposals to public consultations and dialogue.

We likewise appeal to the inter-agency team to formally convene at the soonest possible time, and announce a transparent and time-bound process for its study and recommendations. We emphasize the need for a fairly quick timeframe for the review. While the incumbent President has a term of six years, the 15th Congress only has a term of three years. Our long experience in campaigning for this measure tells us that every day of delay compromises the prospects for the bill’s passage, and makes it easier for adverse forces to kill the measure. This is our painful lesson from the 14th Congress.

Lastly, we express our trust that the Senate and the House of  Representatives will continue to advance the legislative process on FOI and  bring their respective committee reports to plenary well before the end of their first regular session. We note that doing so does not foreclose the introduction of Malacañang amendments in plenary.

RIGHT TO KNOW, RIGHT NOW! COALITION

1. Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Auxillary Bishop, Manila; National Director of CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action Justice & Peace (NASSA-JP)
2. Dr. Florangel Rosario – Braid    Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission and  Chair,Communication, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines
3. Mr. Vincent T. Lazatin, Transparency and Accountability Network
4. Ms. Malou Mangahas, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
5. Mr. Peter Angelo V. Perfecto, Makati Business Club
6. Bishop  Benny M. Abante, Jr., BIBLEMODE International; Chairman, Committee on Public Information, 14th Congress
7. Ms. Adelina Alvarez, Mr. Red Batario, Center for Community Journalism and Development
8. Atty. Roberto Cadiz, LIBERTAS
9. Prof. Luis Teodoro, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
10. Mr. Filomeno S. Sta Ana III, Action for Economic Reforms
11. Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, Focus on the Global South – Philippines
12. Ms. Rowena Paraan, Mr. Sonny Fernandez, Mr. Nestor Burgos, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
13. Ms. Annie Geron, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK)
14. Dean Antonio La Viña, Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)
15. Mr. Joshua Mata, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)    
16. Ms. Yuen Abana, Partido ng Manggagawa
17. Ms. Precy Bellomes, MAKABAYAN
18. Mr. Teody Navea, Mr. Gem de Guzman, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
19. Atty. Virginia S. Jose, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
20. Ms. Judy Pasimio, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Kasama sa Kalikasan
21. Ms. Starjoan Villanueva, Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM)
22. Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet, CODE-NGO
23. Mr. Isagani Serrano, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
24. Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo, Ms. Mercedes Fabros, WomanHealth Philippines
25. Prof. Leonor M. Briones, Social Watch Philippines
26. Dr. Rene Ofreneo, Center for Labor Justice
27. Ms. Jelen Paclarin, Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau    
28. Mr. Jun S. Aguilar, Mr. Elso Cabangon, Filipino Migrant Workers
29. Atty. Eirene Jhone E. Aguila, Mr. Harvey Keh, Team RP; Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership
30. Ms. Teresita Ang See, Citizens Action Against Crime    
31. Mr. Joseph Purugganan, EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network-Philippines; Stop the New Round Coalition
32. Mr. Milo Tanchuling, Ms. Maitet Diokno-Pascual, Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
33. Mr. Ted Ong, Freedom from Debt Coalition – Iloilo
34. Dr. Sixto K. Roxas, Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development
35. Judge Dolores L. Español (Ret.), Transparency International – Philippines
36. Mr. Al Alegre, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)
37. Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, National College of Public Administration and Governance
38. Atty. Tanya Lat, IDEALS
39. Mr. Raul Socrates Banzuela, PAKISAMA
40. Mr. Chester Amparo, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)
41. Mr. Lisandro Claudio, Mr. Jeffrey Crisostomo, Akbayan Youth
42. Mr. Ramon Tuazon, Philippines Communication Society
43. Mr. Pablo Rosales, Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda (PANGISDA); Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid (PKMM)
44. Mr. Crispino Aguelo, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)
45. Ms. Karen Tañada, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute
46. Prof. Gigi Francisco, Development Alternatives for Women in the New Era (DAWN)
47. Mr. Byron Abadeza, Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific
48. Mr. Abby Y. Pato, Task Force on Food Sovereignty – Mindanao
49. Ms. Carolyn Arguillas, MindaNews
50. Mr. Abner Francisco, DXCA – FM
51. Mr. Rey Hulog, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas
52. Mr. Jose Pavia, Philippine Press Institute
53. Ms. Angelica Simone Mangahas, Ateneo Debate Society
54. Mr. Bartholome Guingona, pagbabago@pilipinas
55. Ms. Ellene Sana, Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)
56. Ms. Ester Perez Tagle, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP)
57. Ms. Luz Malibiran, Community Organizers Multiversity
58. Mr. Doy Cinco, Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
59. Ms. Arze Glipo, Integrated Rural Development Foundation
60. Mr. Ric Serrano, Mr. Roland Cabigas, La Liga Policy Institute
61. Mr. Rey Rasing, Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN)
62. Ms. Paulyn Duman, UP Law Student Government
63. Mr. Ed Mora, Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas
64. Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr., Siliman University – ASPAP
65. Ms. Evi-Ta Jimenez, Center for People Empowerment in Governance
66. Mr. Ben-Hur Sacopla, Southern Luzon State University ASPAP – Region IV
67. Dr. Buenaventura B. Dargantes, Program on Integrated Water Resources     
68. Mr. Boy Nuera, Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN)
69. Mr. Roy Calfoforo, People’s Alternative Studies Center for Research and    Education in Social Develoment (PASCRES)
70. Mr. Alain Pascua, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Filipino Democratic Movement (KAAKBAY)
71. Mr. Reggie Guillen, GCAP-Phils
72. Mr. Horacio T. Cadiz, The Philippine Network Foundation, Inc (PHNET)
73. Mr. Joe Valencia, KASAPI-HELLAS
74. Mr. Nestor Villanueva, Akbayan Greece
75. Ms. Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Negros Peace Watch
76. Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran, Philippines Communication Society
77. Ms. Aurora Regalado, Management Organization for Development and Empowerment
78. Mr. Ernesto Lim Jr., People’s Campaign on Agrarian Reform (AR NOW!)
79. Mr. Anthony Marzan, KAISAHAN
80. Mr. Nonoy Oplas, Minimal Government Thinkers
81. Mr. Jesus Vicente Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina
82. Ms. Luz Cabucos-Fegarido, RSW
83. Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Tison, Paghiliusa sa Paghidaet-Negros (PsPN)
84. Ms. Trinidad Domingo, Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan
85. Mr. Richard Gutierrez, Ban Toxics
86. Mr. Czarina Sacaguing, Confederation of Student Government in the Philippines
87. Dr. Ma. Olivia Domingo, Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy, UP NCPAG
88. Dr. Angelo Ramos, Philippine Community e-Center Network
89. Ms. Mae Sabio, Sulong CARPER
90. Mr. Diosdado Calmada, PEACE
91. Ms. Lanie Factor, Task Force Mapalad
92. Ms. Maris Dela Cruz-Cardenas, EmPOWER Consumers
93. Atty. Elpidio Peria, Third World Network; Vice Chairman, Social Concerns Committee, IBP South Cotabato – General Santos City
94. Mr. Angelito R. Mendoza, Coalition for Health Advocacy and Transparency     
95. Mr. Omi Royandoyan, Centro Saka
96. Ms. Florencia Casanova-Dorotan, Women’s Action Network for Development
97. Ms. Violeta Corral, Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan
98. Ms. Michelle Domocol, Visayas Climate Action Network
99. Ms. Maita Gomez, Bantay Kita
100. College Editors Guild of the Philippines
101. Ms. Emy M. Santos, National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO)
102. Ms. Tes M. Borgoños, Manggagawang Kababaihang Mithi ay Paglaya (MAKALAYA)
103. Ms. Marilyn Fuentes, National Union of Building and Construction Workers
104. Atty. Michael Yu, Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Cebu City Chapter
105. Dr. Sylvia  Estrada Claudio, Center for Women’s Studies, University of the Philippines
106. Ms. Tin Borja, UP ALYANSA
107. Mr. JC Tejano, UP BUKLOD CSSP
108. Mr. Romeo Cabugnasan, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
109. Mr. Gus Miclat, Initiative for International Dialogue
110. Mr. Antonio Claparols, Mr. Javier Claparols, Ecological Society of the Philippines
111. Dr. Helen N. Mendoza, Soljuspax
112. Ms. Maria Rita Melecio, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Davao
113. Mr. Juanito Enriquez, Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace
114. Ms. Edeliza Hernandez, Medical Action Group
115. Ms. Laudica Casana, Anda Rural Women Workers Alliance for Progress
116. Ms. Flordeliz Abanto, Philippine Association of Communication Educators Foundation, Inc. (PACE)
117. Ms. Victoria M. Segovia, Partnership for Clean Air
118. Ms. Grace Chua, Consumer Rights for Safe Food
119. Ms. Noemi Tirona, Network Opposed to GMOs
120. Ms. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz, Ang Nars
121. Mr. Manny C. Calonzo, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
122. Ms. Paula Mae B. Tanquieng, Ayos na Gamot sa Abot-Kayang Presyo (AGAP)
123. Ms. Annie M. Sandalo, Code Foundation, Inc.
124. Ed Caharian, Philippine Agency for Community and Family
125. Fr. Victor “Junvic” Diolata, Jr., SSS, Fr. Jesus Malit, SSS, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Pilippines (AMRSP)         
126. Mr. Narciso Jover Jr., Tri-people Concern for Peace, Progress and Development of Mindanao (TRICOM)
127. Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Atty. Dante T. Ramos, Phil. Earth Justice Center, Inc.
128. Maria V. Mendoza, Fair Trade Alliance – Philippines (FairTrade)
129. Mr. Tirso N. Paglicawan, Jr., Mr. Dante Dean M. Barola, Kapisanan ng mga Kawani ng Koreo sa Pilipinas (KKKP); Hukuman ng Mamamayan Movement, Inc.
130. Mr. Manuel G. Rama, PhilPost Rank-and-File Employees Association
131. Ms. Marlene Ramirez, AsiaDHRRA
132. Ms. Minerva Gonzales, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Asia
133. Mr. Angelito Calderon, Lakas Mangagawa Labor Center (LMLC)
134. Ms. Ember Cruz, Trade Advocates Group
135. Ms. Mary Joycer Filomeno, Youth Advocates for Economic Progress (YAEP)
136. Ms. Eileen Matute, Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR)
137. Mr. David Diwa, National Labor Union
138. Mr. Angel Dimalanta, Automotive Industry Workers Alliance
139. Atty. Normita V. Batula, Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw (BALAOD Mindanaw)
140. Remedios Gacus, Ritz Lee B. Santos III, Amnesty International Philippines-Cagayan de Oro
141. Ms. Lia Jasmin Esquillo, Interface Development Interventions
142. Mr. Nazaño Cacayan, Yamog Foundation
143. Mr. Frank Meno, Philippine Metalworkers Alliance (PMA)
144. Mr. Eleuterio Tuazon, Philippine Association of Free Labor Unions
145. Mr. Ronaldo Tuazon, Workers Welfare Watch – Philippines
146. Mr. John Gamit, Christian Life Community of the Philippines
147. Mr. Manny Arias, Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Mangagawa sa Pilipinas
148. Ms. Romina Astrid Lim, Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project
149. Mr. James Auste, Cancer Warriors Foundation
150. Mr. Vince Cinches, Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc.
151. Dr. Suzette H. Lazo, MD
152. Mr. Ronald Adlawan, Youth for Nationalism and Democracy
153. Fr. Carmelo O. Diola, Dilaab Foundation Inc.
154. Mr. Roberto Versola, Mr. Riedo Panaligan, Philippine Greens
155. Ms. Evangeline Crisostomo Escobillo
156. Mr. Felipe Buencamino
157. Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado, Ehem! Anticorruption Movement
158. Ms. Jessica Reyes-Cantos, Rice Watch and Action Network
159. Prof. Michael Alba, UP School of Economics
160. Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan, Institute for Freedom of Information

For communications please contact: Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan
Institute for Freedom of Information, 14th Floor West Trade Center, 132 West Avenue, Quezon City
Telefax: +63 2 426 5626   Email: nepo_m@yahoo.com