PASS THE FOI BILL NOW!

We, the undersigned press freedom advocates and media practitioners in the mainstream corporate media, alternative press, campus journalists and students of media-related courses were one with the Filipino people in calling for President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, as well as the leadership of both Houses of the Philippine Congress to immediately pass their own versions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.

We believe that once this landmark proposed bill will be enacted in the soonest possible time, press freedom in the country will somehow be strengthened as it will arm journalists and our citizens with easy access to acquire data and facts on government transactions and activities. The FOI Bill is also seen to benefit the anti-corruption drive of the Aquino administration for this legislation effort can vividly expose the decaying culture of corruption within the halls of our bureaucracy.

More so, the tuwid na daan slogan of President Aquino will remain hollow and toothless in the absence of the FOI. The non-passage of this bill will continue to suppress the Filipino peoples right to information and will continuously curtail freedom of the press in the country.

Also, the passage of the FOI Bill is indeed a long-drawn backlog of the government. The Philippine Constitution even necessitates the publics right to know and have access on official information from the government.

It is clearly stated on Constitutional provision under Article III, Section 7 that, The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

With this, we vow to be vigilant, active and keen over the progress of the FOI Bill in Congress onwards its total enactment and implementation. We will be unwavering in reminding our government leaders through lobbying efforts, advocacy works among others in order for them to prioritize this proposed bill.

We are hopeful.
We are watching.
Because the Filipino people has the right to be informed!
Because we have the right to know!
Now.