The freedom of information Bill is
going to be a big fight for ‘real democracy’
among Filipinos. Corruption greatly affects the
economy and the Filipinos who are starving
to have good life in his own country. But how
about the fact that there are so many hidden
files and documents which government officials
and sectors keep on hiding from the eyes of the
people?
There are many incidents that President
Benigno Aquino III is obviously not in favor with
the Bill. Last July 22, during the state of the nation
address, the president shocked many people
because he didn’t mention the update or his
opinion regarding the controversial Bill. After he
signed up for RH Bill and sin tax Bill, maybe it’s
about time for FOI to be passed.
Different versions for the Bill point to
conflict of interest. The fact is, there are many in
the government who are not yet ready in expose
their very own acts behind the back of the
people.
The declaration of policy of the
Freedom of Information Bill states that, the state
recognize the right of the people to information
on matters of public concern, and adopts and
implements a policy of full public disclosure
of all its transactions involving public interest,
subject to the procedures and limitations
provided by this act. This is indispensable to
the exercise of the right of the people and
their organizations to effective and reasonable
participation at all levels of “social, political and
economic decision-making.”
The delay of passing the Bill carries
different issues that blame none other than but
the House of Representatives, senators and
the president himself. Slow motion would best
describe the course for the bill in the ensuing
two and a half years. Many declared their
support in this bill. In fact, before the 2013
election, there are many radio and TV ads
encourage people to support this Bill.
In the said Bill, all the government offices,
official and agencies are obliged to publish and
open all their transaction to the people.
If ever this Bill will be passed, there are
many issues and hidden anomalies in different
government sectors would share the limelight.
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