EO on freedom of information still being crafted

The executive order on the freedom of information (FOI) is still in the process of completion, a Palace official said yesterday.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella insisted that the FOI measure, earlier scheduled to be signed and released this week, has not been stalled but is still being crafted down to the fine print.

“Next week is a good time for the signing,” he said in a short press briefing.

Communications Secretary Andanar earlier said that President Duterte would sign and release the FOI yesterday after taking it to Davao City for review last weekend.

The FOI, which applies to all government offices under the executive branch, allows dis- closures of government transactions, except those relating to national security interests.

Under Article III Section 7 of the Constitution, the public have the right to obtain information and to access official records and documents relating to official acts, transactions or decisions as well as government research data used for policy developments.

Former president Benigno Aquino III promised an FOI law during his campaign, but failed to support it when a bill was submitted to Congress.

Duterte, who flew to Davao City Thursday night, earlier said he would not wait for Congress to approve the FOI bill and promised to issue an executive order that would be effective for all government offices under him.

Among his recommendations is the uploading of information and public documents on government websites.

If the executive order will be approved and released, the House of Representatives and the Senate will still need to draft an FOI law that would apply to all branches of government.