UP student leaders to Congress:
We DARe U, Pass FOI bill now!

OVER 300 student leaders of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman have issued this single message to Congress: We DARe U: Pass the Freedom of Information bill now!

In a manifesto issued to coincide with the hearing on the FOI bill scheduled today, Nov. 27, by the Committee on Public Information of the House of Representatives, the student leaders challenged lawmakers to pass the bill, if they truly stand committed to good governance.

Convened by the University Student Council of UP Diliman, the DARe (Disclose all Records Now) Movement, said lawmakers must pass the FOI bill promptly, to help “shed sunlight on the dark crevices of all government offices.”

“A democratic government assumes that the people have a say on what the government does. The people can participate in the decision-making process of their government,” the DARe Movement said.

“But how can the people participate in governance if they do not have the information necessary for them to make intelligent decisions?” it added. “How will the people know if their agents are really doing their duties, and are not short-changing or fooling the principals, if the agents are not required to disclose all its official acts?”

USC Councilor Jules Guiang, DARe Movement convenor, and USC Chairperson Heart Diño are signatories, apart from the officers of various college student councils and organizations at UP Diliman.

What follows is the full text of the DARe Movement manifesto:

We DARe U: Disclose All Records Urgently
(DARe Movement Manifesto for Good Governance and the PASSAGE OF THE FOI BILL)

“Public office is a public trust.”

That is the overarching principle governing the conduct of all public servants: public officers act as agents who hold office by the trust given by the people as the principals.

But like any other principal-agent relationship, the agents are more often more knowledgeable, and hold more information, than their principals at any given time. More often, the principals are held in the dark, dependent on their agents’ wisdom and sense of duty.

The framers of our Constitution recognized this complex principal-agent relationship. Thus, the Constitution has clearly commanded full public disclosure of all acts of the public officer in the discharge of his or her duties:

• Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies), Section 24: “The State recognizes the need for communication and information in nation-building.”

• Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies), Section 28: “Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.”

• Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 7: “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 to the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.”

A democratic government assumes that the people have a say on what the government does. The people can participate in the decision-making process of their government.

But how can the people participate in governance if they do not have the information necessary for them to make intelligent decisions? How will the people know if their agents are really doing their duties, and are not short-changing or fooling the principals, if the agents are not required to disclose all its official acts?

The public has the right to know all official acts and transactions rendered by its leaders. The public has the right to know and scrutinize its agents’ financial records and dealings, to assure the public that their leaders are not skimming off with public monies for private and personal interests. The public has the right to know all of these because “sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority emanates from them.”

Thus we, students of the University of the Philippines demand all our public officials, especially the high State officers, to fully disclose all records and transactions to the public, including all government contracts, and all Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN). These documents and processes should be made publicly available in an efficient, timely, and inexpensive manner.

Further, we call on Congress, entering its last regular session before the 2013 election, to pass the Freedom of Information Bill, and shed sunlight on the dark crevices of all government offices.

The citizens are partners in governance. But how can a partner be productively involved in any endeavor if he or she does not possess all the information necessary to make an intelligent decision?

For good governance and the people,

We DARe them: DISCLOSE ALL RECORDS, NOW!

SIGNATORIES:

1. Jules Guiang, DARe Movement Convenor & USC Councilor
2. Sarah Isabelle Torres, DARe Movement Media & Communications Administrator and College of Mass Communication College Representative
3. Stephen Jun Villejo, DARe Movement Media & Communications Administrator and School of Statistics College Representative
4. Joeric Emil Crescini, DARe Movement Movement Expansion Administrator and College of Social Sciences and Philosophy College Representative
5. Heart Diño, USC Chairperson
6. Alex Castro, USC, Vice Chairperson
7. Eduard Francis Ayala, USC Councilor
8. Pat Bringas, USC Councilor
9. Aryanna Canacan, USC Councilor
10. Carlos Enrico Clement, USC Councilor
11. Maria Anna Espinosa, USC Councilor
12. Francisco Jayme Paolo Guiang, USC Councilor
13. Ma. Regina Punzalan, USC Councilor
14. Genesis Rapallo, USC Councilor
15. Alexandra Maria Santos, USC Councilor
16. Jose Miguel Solis, USC Councilor
17. Solomon Vicencio, USC Councilor
18. Erika Mary Erro, Asian Institute of Tourism College Representative
19. Peter Paredes, College of Architecture College Representative
20. Eduardo Gabral, College of Arts and Letters College Representative
21. Jonas Cruz, College of Business Administration College Representative
22. Chris Omega, College of Education College Representative
23. Sara Zemirah Go, College of Fine Arts College Representative
24. Carla Gonzales, College of Home Economics College Representative
25. Rejiel Gonzales, College of Engineering College Representative
26. Justin Palino, College of Engineering College Representative
27. Gayle Krystyle Grey, College of Human Kinetics College Representative
28. Ma. Christina Reyes, College of Law College Representative
29. Patricia Erika Poblador, College of Music College Representative
30. Serene Ezra Bondad, College of Science College Representative
31. Mark Joseph Tagala, College of Social Work and Community Development College Representative
32. Nikole Alicer, National College of Public Administration and Governance College Representative
33. Miko Gloria, School of Economics College Representative
34. Roscelle Cruz, School of Library and Information Studies College Representative
35. Val Yutan, DARe Movement Records Administrator and UP Paralegal Society President
36. Bea Obcena, DARe Movement Records Administrator
37. Carmela Sotelo, DARe Movement Expansion Administrator
38. Wilzhar Maquinta, DARe Movement Website Administrator
39. Mikhail Tizon, DARe Movement Website Administrator
40. Jean Yap, CSSC Chairperson
41. Jon Stewart Hao Dy, CSSC Vice-Chairperson
42. R. Lorenz Chua, CSSC Councilor
43. Viviene Santiago, CSSC Councilor
44. Ram Vincent C. Tomaneng, CSSC Councilor
45. Kevin Ferrer, CSSC Councilor
46. Ma. Lourdes Stephanie V. Leido, CSSC Councilor
47. Julia Rio Therese M. Negre, CSSC Councilor
48. John Gabriel Q. Nuque, Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
49. Joshua Immanuel I. Beringuela, National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
50. Joshua Reginald P. Malapit, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
51. Cher Marie M. Tuason, Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
52. Pam Mesina, Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representativ
53. Dale Wilson A. Garcia II, Asst. Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representative
54. Piere Justin R. Luya, National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
55. Jethro Antonio C. David, Asst. National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
56. Norchel Corcia Gomez, Asst. Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
57. Kyle Adrianne Benito, Asst. Institute of Chemistry (IC) Representative
58. Rae Anne Anonuevo, Asst. National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
59. Damian Dailisan, Asst. National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
60. Mario Onglao, Asst. National Institute of Physics (NIP) Representative
61. Joannes Paulo Castro, Asst. Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
62. Giannina Nicole R. Feliciano, Asst. Institute of Biology (IB) Representative
63. Iris Jill G. Ortiz, Asst. National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Representative
64. Maria Almira S. Cleofe, Asst. National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Representative
65. Jose Maria F. Hizon, Asst. Institute of Mathematics (IM) Representative
66. Andrew Rex Manalang, CSWCD Chairperson
67. Tricia Ann Mae Topacio, CSWCD Vice-Chair for Internal Affairs
68. Erika Isabel Yague, CSWCD Vice-chair for Externals
69. Keshia Villasper, CSWCD Secretary – General
70. Bianca Diaz, CSWCD Finance Officer
71. Rogerine Miguel, CSWCD Community Development Representative
72. Miguel Fernando, CSWCD Social Work Representative
73. Abbie Pundol, CSWCD Graduate Representative
74. Mario C. Urrutia III, CMC SC Chairperson
75. Carla Patrice S. Cucueco, CMC SC Vice Chairperson
76. Maria Fatima I. Gaw, CMC SC Secretary
77. Ma. Angela Teresa G. Sebastian, CMC SC Treasurer
78. Myra A. Cabujat, CMC SC Journalism Representative
79. Ma. Angerica Emmanuelle L. Hainto, CMC SC Journalism Representative
80. Macario B. Manicad III, CMC SC Broadcast Communication Representative
81. Triciah S. Terada, CMC SC Broadcast Communication Representative
82. Alyssa Mariel Suico, CMC SC Film Representative
83. Earl Joseph N. Usi, CMC SC Film Representative
84. Mari Angelyn M. Arambulo, CMC SC Communication Research Representative
85. Maylene L. Manzano, CMC SC Communication Research Representative
86. Abighael Dawn Marabut, ESC Chairperson
87. Lorraine Aguion, ESC Vice Chairperson
88. Leomer Paul Agcamaran, ESC Councilor
89. Jonathan Bantigue, ESC Councilor
90. Lalaine Malaluan, ESC Councilor
91. Alyanna Jean Maliwanag, ESC Councilor
92. Raymond Nhil Shappit, ESC Councilor
93. Charlene Bartolome, ESC CE Representative
94. John Philip Cabañero, ESC CE Representative
95. Jacob Carreon, ESC CE Representative
96. Joseph Romeo Diño, ESC CE Representative
97. Jayson Silang, ESC CE Representative
98. Edna Vianzon, ESC CE Representative
99. Megan Arsitoy, ESC ChE Representative
100. Paulette Canlas, ESC ChE Representative
101. Van Mintello Galman, ESC ChE Representative
102. Raymond Velasco, ESC ChE Representative
103. Anna Louise Wy, ESC ChE Representative
104. Catherine Marie Angangco, ESC CS Representative
105. Ricardo Bautista Jr., ESC CS Representative
106. John Joel Cabuhat, ESC CS Representative
107. Czelina Ellaine Litimco, ESC CS Representative
108. Gyver Acuna, ESC EEE Representative
109. Shakira Arguelles, ESC EEE Representative
110. Angelo Joseph Basilan, ESC EEE Representative
111. Bruxelle Jazschwa de Leon, ESC EEE Representative
112. Daniel Raymund Nieva, ESC EEE Representative
113. Kevin Orpilla, ESC EEE Representative
114. Rowen Palma, ESC EEE Representative
115. Daniel Fadi Rahayel, ESC EEE Representative
116. Vergel Villanueva, ESC EEE Representative
117. Carlyn Ann Ibanez, ESC GE Representative
118. Rey Rusty Quides, ESC GE Representative
119. Adriel Jireh Cucio, ESC IE Representative
120. Francisco Luis del Rosario, ESC IE Representative
121. Emmalie Claire Llanes, ESC IE Representative
122. April Rose Ramos, ESC IE Representative
123. Everett Lucien Antoine Ubiadas, ESC IE Representative
124. Isagani Barrameda, ESC ME Representative
125. Job Immanuel Encarnacion, ESC ME Representative
126. Jack Nicol Villanueva, ESC ME Representative
127. Ralph Nicolai Nasara, ESC MMM Representative
128. Katriel Gail Sadorra, ESC MMM Representative
129. Sylvester Sanchez, ESC MMM Representative
130. Kimberly Vielle Santiago, ESC MMM Representative
131. Racquel Vergara, ESC MMM Representative
132. Joseph Benjamin Del Mundo, ESC Graduate Representative
133. Shaina Santiago, KAISA – UP Chairperson
134. Mitchka Nicanor, PALS-NCPAG Chairperson
135. Karla Badong, Magkaisa – CSSP Chairperson
136. Elise Mendoza, Architecture SC Chairperson
137. Patricia Sim, Architecture SC VC-Externals
138. Aedriane Celis, Architecture SC VC-Internals
139. Lance Monfort , Architecture SC Councilor
140. Josef Ponce, Architecture SC Councilor
141. Timothy Ong, Architecture SC Councilor
142. Andoni Rex Centino, Architecture SC Councilor
143. Aura Soriano, Architecture SC Councilor
144. Angel Abrajano, Architecture SC Councilor
145. Kr Pueblos, Architecture SC Councilor
146. Stephanie Martinez, Architecture SC Councilor
147. Alex Aldaba, Architecture SC Councilor LArch Representative
148. Miguel Sebastian, Architecture SC First Year Representative
149. Alfonse Rulloda, Architecture SC Second Year Representative
150. Paula Francisco, Architecture SC Third Year Representative
151. Angeli Luna, Architecture SC Fourth Year Representative
152. Alver Remolar, Architecture SC Thesis Batch Representative
153. Christine-Joy Boller, AIT SC Chairperson
154. Danielle Grace Lopez, AIT SC Vice Chairperson
155. Joyce Marian Magsino, AIT SC Councilor
156. Paulo Riel Sotto, AIT SC Councilor
157. Quennie Mynette Lao, AIT SC Councilor
158. Arthur Jarold Ranola, AIT SC Councilor
159. Ana Grace Tayag, AIT SC Councilor
160. Darline Anne Salazar, AIT SC 4th Year Representative
161. Ma. Ysabelle Clarisse Anne Myca Bonoan, AIT SC 3rd Year Representative
162. Po Teresa Santiago, AIT SC 2nd Year Representative
163. Anne Belen, AIT SC 1st Year Representative
164. Andrea M. Castro, CHK SC Chairperson
165. Celize y. Mayuga, CHK SC Vice Chairperson
166. Daniel L. Guzman. CHK SC Councilor
167. Joseph H. Lu, CHK SC Councilor
168. Kevin R. Sandiego, CHK SC Councilor
169. Paolo Enrico H. Siasoco, CHK SC Councilor
170. Blesylda T. Busto, CHK SC BSS Representative
171. Jan Michael James F. Lazaro, CHK SC BSS Representative
172. Kim Aldrin M. Ammay, CHK SC BPE Representative
173. Andrea isabelle S. Callanta, CHK SC BPE Representative
174. Habagat D. Santos-Cuyugan, CHK SC CSS Representative
175. Ellaine Joyce Malelang, CHK SC Councilor 2011-2012
176. Ma. Theresa Carlos, NCPAG SG Chairperson
177. Beatrice Marie Achacoso, NCPAG SG Vice Chairperson
178. Charmen Balana, NCPAG SG Socio-Academic Affairs Administrator
179. Frances Grace Damazo, NCPAG SG Internal Affairs Administrator
180. Francheska Nicole Refuerzo, NCPAG SG Finance Administrator
181. Paolo Alcantara, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
182. Krista Emmadelle Andres, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
183. Hanna Giselle Miralles, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
184. Raymond Clarence Rodis, NCPAG SG Undergraduate Councilor
185. Russell Jef Castaneda, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
186. Marikris de Guzman, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
187. Cristymer Sheena Pimentel, NCPAG SG Graduate Councilor
188. Kelvin Tagnipez, SESC Chairperson
189. Benedict Bismark, SESC Vice Chairperson
190. Arianna Zapanta, SESC Secretariat Councilor
191. Simone Carpio, SESC Finance Councilor
192. Kevin Estopace, SESC Media and Publicity Councilor
193. Alan Orquinaza, SESC Sports, Arts and Culture Councilor
194. Louisa Poco, SESC Education and Research Councilor
195. Bettina Ramas, SESC Internal Affairs Councilor
196. Anne Trajano, SESC Marketing Councilor
197. Justin Baniqued, SESC Senior Representative
198. Marvin Marayag, SESC Senior Representative
199. Kim Philip Salazar, SESC Junior Representative
200. Romano Alonzo, SESC Junior Representative
201. Regine Rodriguez, SESC Sophomore Representative
202. Allan Dacanay, SESC Sophomore Representative
203. Justine Nuque, SESC Freshman Representative
204. Cara Latinazo, SESC Freshman Representative
205. Darrell Magsambol, SESC STRAW Ad Hoc Chairperson
206. Rafaelle Louise San Agustin, CFASC Chairperson
207. Carlo de Laza, CFASC Vice Chairperson
208. Katrina Andrews, CFASC Secretary
209. Julian Ricardo Geronimo, CFASC Treasurer
210. Elias Mile Villanueva, CFASC P.R.O
211. Pauline Villanueva, CFASC Councilor
212. Joanna Miemban, CFASC Councilor
213. Natasha Luistro, CFASC Councilor
214. Samantha Dedel, CFASC Viscom Representative
215. Chloe Dellosa, CFASC Studio Arts Representative
216. Paulina Miranda, College of Education Student Council Chairperson
217. James Tumlos, College of Education Student Council Vice-Chairperson
218. Curt Cruz, College of Education Student Council Councilor
219. Joy Manlapaz, College of Education Student Council Councilor
220. Mara de Guzman, College of Education Student Council Councilor
221. Pam Fabros, College of Education Student Council Councilor
222. Christienne Torralba, College of Education Student Council Councilor
223. Kathryn Deveza, College of Education Student Council Councilor
224. Manu Farol, FED UP Chairperson
225. Allan Cedrick Vargas, FED UP Member
226. Khalil Verzosa, FED UP Member
227. Jan Castolo, FED UP Member
228. Dan Liquigan, FED UP Member
229. Leopold Palad, FED UP Member
230. Regina Reyes, FED UP Member
231. Raila Puno, UP Environmental Law Society President
232. Alex Gamboa, UP Environmental Law Society External Vice President
233. Rocky Guzman, UP Environmental Law Society Internal Vice President
234. Kester Kua, UP Environmental Law Society Vice President for Finance
235. Mara Herrera, UP Environmental Law Society Vice President for Secretariat
236. Vino Lucero, UP Society of Progressive Students for Gender Emancipation and Human Rights (SPECTRUM)
237. Jouvani Isiderio Dollesin – UP Circa, Member
238. Rabelais Medina – UP Ballers, President
239. Noriel Santiago – UP Ballers, Member
240. Jes Castillio – UP Ballers, Member
241. Rockefeller Iligan – UP Ballers, Member
242. Albert Yatco – UP Ballers, Member
243. Zeus Larry Fontanilla – UP Ballers, Member
244. JM Ramos – UP Ballers, Member
245. Jun Russel Aquino – UP Ballers, Member
246. Sean Bas – UP Ballers, Member
247. Seth Galarosa – UP Ballers, Member
248. Gerald Ignacio – UP Ballers, Vice President
249. Royce Russel Magcawas Valencia – UP Ballers, MVP
250. Kyle Jemino – UP Ballers, Member
251. Rus San Diego, UP Ballers, Member
252. Eamon Ulibarri, UP Ballers, Member
253. Gerwin Rodriguez – UP Paralegal Society, Member
254. Bryan Joseph Costales – UP Paralegal Society, Member
255. Antonio Miguel Tulio – UP Paralegal Society, Member
256. Nathaniel Malit – UP Paralegal Society, Member
257. Redbert Chris Maines – UP Paralegal Society, Member
258. Vernon Chua – UP Paralegal Society, Member
259. Nathan Casanova – UP Paralegal Society, Internals Officer
260. Nathan Emil Legacion – UP Paralegal Society, Externals Officer
261. Frente Sur Melliza – UP Paralegal Society, Vice President
262. Isaiah Cabanero – UP Paralegal Society, Member
263. Rod Pino – Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
264. Miggy Baretto – Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
265. Dino Regalario – Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
266. Fernando Bayad, Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
267. Aeron Halos, Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
268. Alvin Ogena, Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
269. Mikhail Tizon, Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
270. Martynov Medina, Enrique Voltaire Garcia Debate Society, Member
271. Carl Dion, UP Geological Society, Member
272. Regina Angela M. Carino, Deputy for Internal Affairs, KAISA Mo!
273. Paquito Tabago, UP EURO President
274. Samantha Claudene Sayo, UP EURO Vice President for Communications
275. Zaldy Bonagua, UP EURO Vice President for Administration
276. Sabrina Gayle Mendoza, UP EURO Vice President for Finance
277. April Joy Lorenzo, UP EURO Vice President for Operations
278. Simon Dominic Agner, UP EURO Vice President for Relations
279. Robbie Villanueva, UP EURO Director for Documentation
280. Moira Gail Pavino, UP EURO Director for Publicity
281. Marrianne Luzzete Gilhang, UP EURO Director for Human Resources
282. Ann Lousie Reyes, UP EURO Director for Internal Affairs
283. Dawn Betina Bernabe, UP EURO Director for Marketing and Events
284. Sir Albertti Flores, UP EURO Director for Fund Management
285. Maira Noelle Saldajeno, UP EURO Director for Academic Affairs
286. Candy Quebral, UP EURO Director for Community Extension
287. Marleen Coronel, UP EURO Director for External and and Alumni
288. Claudene Enduma, UP EURO Director for University Affairs
289. Bea Treena Macasaet, UP EURO Member
290. Maria Victoria Maglanque, UP EURO Member
291. Joanh Lualhati, UP EURO Member
292. Kizia Daquilanea, UP EURO Member
293. Arnie Gem Moranda, UP EURO Member
294. Jaime Lorenzo Regino, UP EURO Member
295. Sophia Romblon, UP EURO Member
296. Monica San Diego, UP EURO Member
297. Justine Mhay Caraan, UP EURO Member
298. Janine Kate Marteinic, UP EURO Member
299. Rogie Nichole Aquino, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila-CPT Student Council Treasurer
300. Charlene Rose Cadhit, PALS-NCPAG Vice President for Internal Affairs
301. Rodrido Villalon, PALS-NCPAG Vice President for External Affairs
302. Jen Monje, PALS-NCPAG Vice President for Logistics and UP Alyansa Member
303. Barbara Candano, KAISA – Nagkakaisang Iskolar para sa Pamantasan at Sambayanan, Member
304. Julia Alexandra Chu, AIESEC UP Diliman Local Committee President
305. Ma. Carmela Victoria N. Bangsal, UP CMC ISA President
306. Elizabeth Anne P. Cabiling, UP CMC ISA Secretary-General
307. Dan Gabriel S. Santos, UP CMC ISA Vice-President for Political Affairs
308. Denise Layla P. Miram, UP CMC ISA Vice-President for Finance and Marketing
309. Roselle Joyce M. Torrecampo, UP CMC ISA Vice-President for Internal Affairs
310. Edmer C. Maguan, UP CMC ISA Vice-President for External Affairs
311. Marko A. Yambao, UP CMC ISA Vice-President for Publicity and Promotions