When the leaders of the House of Representatives want a measure passed, we have seen them find a way. But when they want a measure aborted, they simply stay away and quibble about the absence of quorum.
For 14 years, the 160 member-organizations of the Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition have waged, separately and together, an advocacy campaign for the passage of the Freedom of Information Act. We have done so in good faith, in the most positive and trustful manner, and with all due respect to the members of Congress who swore to serve the people, by the Constitution and the laws of the land.
Even now, we thank Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr., the legislators who authored and passed the Freedom of Information Act, and all the members of the 14th Congress, for taking the bill to its farthest, an accomplishment that previous Congresses had all failed to achieve.
Today, the Freedom of Information Act hangs on the precipice, and the leaders of the House, on the threshold of either making history or being cast aside to its dustbin.
In the last two weeks, the people have been offered promise after promise to ratify the Fredom of Information Act.
- On February 2, 2010, copies of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the FOI scheduled for distribution to the House members suddenly went missing at the session hall.
- On February 3, the House Floorleader, after moving to defer the calling of the roll, proceeded to secure the House members’ concurrence vote for no less than 15 Senate bills, and one conference committee report. However, the FOI conference committee report was conveniently left out. A congressman who sought a copy of the FOI Act was told by House officials that the instruction from the office of the House Secretary General was to “hold distribution” of the copies that day, the last day before the Congress adjourned for the election campaign season.
- On May 24, the House leadership implored proponents of the bill to withdraw their motion to ratify the conference committee report after the Speaker and the Majority and Minority leaders declared their commitment to enroll it on the agenda of the House on May 31.
- But on May 31, Speaker Nograles opened the session and the Majority Floorleader moved to suspend session until June 4, for the closing of the 14th Congress. In 10 seconds flat, they opened and closed the session, ignoring motions from proponents of the bill to ratify the FOI Act. The proponents led by Manila Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr., chair of the House committee on public information, had wanted to raise a point of order but the House leaders simply ignored them. In truth, the proponents were muzzled and gagged – the microphones on the floor were turned off.
The fate of the Freedom of Information Act is in peril of being hostage to the whims and fancies of the House leadership. In media interviews, Speaker Nograles has declared that the FOI Act – or what he calls “the foie gras bill” that he, in fact, co-authored – remains “my priority” and that the House will take it up today, supposedly the last session day of the 14th Congress.
Today, the truth or falsity of his avowed commitment to ratify the Freedom of Information Act, will be known. He can yet prove skeptics wrong.
If the Speaker chooses not to live up to his commitment, the Freedom of Information Act dies today; if he proves true to his words, it will live and be ratified, at last.
And well it should. The right to know is an inalienable right of the people that has been firmly guaranteed by the Constitution since 23 years ago. Enshrined in the Bill of Right, it is indispensable to the exercise of the right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, economic and political decision-making.
The Freedom of Information Act fills the legal gaps that have made our constitutional right to information practically inoperable. It provides standard and definite procedures in dealing with requests for information. It clearly defines a narrow list of exceptions, carefully balancing the public interest in securing the widest availability of information while recognizing the public interest in withholding certain information identified in the bill. It secures for citizens concurrent remedies in cases of denial of access to information.
Where a denial is illegal, the citizen concerned may also file the appropriate criminal or administrative complaint. It provides for the public disclosure, without need of request from anyone, of important government transactions. It introduces numerous mechanisms for the active promotion of openness in government.
The Filipino people need and truly deserve this law. It is a demand of the times, a vote for transparency, democratic participation, accountability and good governance. It will empower both the people and their leaders to plant the seeds of strategic governance reforms and start the process of renewal for Philippine institutions.
We take this opportunity to thank Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri for shepherding the bill through the tedious legislative process in the Senate.
We express most especially our gratitude and salute to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for leading the Senators in completing the necessary Senate actions for the passage of the Freedom of Information Act. The Senate was in turmoil at the time when the session was about to adjourn in February, yet still it managed to fulfill its legislative commitments.
Last May 31, the Senate passed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to act on the FOI Act conference committee report before the 14th Congress adjourns sine die. This is clear testimony to the leadership of Senate President Enrile and the sense of duty to people and country of our Senators.
Today, we ask that Speaker Nograles and the House members show proof that they measure up to the same standards. Indeed today, by their choices they will be judged. And they have only two: Legacy or Ignominy.
They have now a historic opportunity to fulfill their constitutional duty to provide an essential law that will secure for the nation the full functioning of their constituents’ right to information.
Recognizing that the duty of the state to enforce a policy of full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest is the hallmark of good governance, there are already more than 80 governments around the world that have adopted a Freedom of Information Act. The passage today of the Freedom of Information Act would be a testament to our maturity as a nation, which is vaunted to be the exemplar of democracy in Asia.
The people of the Philippines are claiming their constitutional right to access to information on matters of public concern. The bicameral conference committee has reconciled the House and Senate versions of the FOI bill. There should be no obstacle to ratifying this bill.
Today, Speaker Nograles and his House will face the judgment of history. Will they be judged as a Congress with a legacy of honor or of ignominy?
In truth, for reasons other than the public interest, they can delay the Freedom of Information Act but not ever defeat it. The people’s right to know springs forth from our democracy; it will endure.
Right to Know. Right Now!
Signatories:
- Bishop Broderick Pabillo
Auxillary Bishop, Manila; National Director of CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action Justice&Peace (NASSA-JP) - Atty. Wigberto Tañada
Senator, 1987-1995 - Dr. Wilfrido V. Villacorta
Member,Constitutional Commission; Author of Right to Information on Matters of Public Concern (Art. III, Sec.7, 1987 Constitution) - Dr. Florangel Rosario
Braid Member, Constitutional Commission and Chair, Communication, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines - Mr. Vincent T. Lazatin
Transparency and Accountability Network - Ms. Malou Mangahas
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism - Ms. Adelina Alvarez
Mr. Red Batario
Center for Community Journalism and Development - Atty. Roberto Cadiz
LIBERTAS - Prof. Luis Teodoro
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility - Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez
Focus on the Global South – Philippines Programme - Mr. Sonny Fernandez
Mr. Nestor Burgos
Ms. Rowena Paraan
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines - Mr. Alberto Lim
Makati Business Club - Ms. Teresita Ang See
Citizens Action Against Crime - Mr. Joshua Mata
Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) - Ms. Yuen Abana
Partido ng Mangagawa - Ms. Precy Bellomes
Makabayan - Mr. Teody Navea
Mr. Gem de Guzman
Bukluran ng Mangagawang Pilipino (BMP) - Atty. Byron Bocar
Akbayan - Ms. Judy Pasimio
Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Kasama sa Kalikasan - Ms. Starjoan Villanueva
Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM) - Dean Antonio La Viña
Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) - Dr. Sixto K. Roxas
Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development - Mr. Isagani Serrano
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement - Mr. Joseph Purugganan
EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network-Philippines; Stop the New Round Coalition - Mr. Al Alegre
Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) - Ms. Annie Geron
Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) - Prof. Leonor M. Briones
Social Watch Philippines - Dr. Rene Ofreneo
Center for Labor Justice - Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III
National College of Public Administration and Governance - Atty. Tanya Lat
IDEALS - Mr. Raul Socrates Banzuela
PAKISAMA - Chester Amparo
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD) - Mr. Pete Pinlac
Mangagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN) - Mr. Ramon Tuazon
Philippines Communication Society - Ms. Mae V. Buenaventura
Women’s Legal Bureau, Inc. - Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo
WomanHealth Philippines - Ms. Mercedes Fabros
WomanHealth Philippines - Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet
CODE-NGO - Mr. Jun S. Aguilar
Filipino Migrant Workers - Mr. Pablo Rosales
Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda (PANGISDA); Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid (PKMM) - Mr. Crispino Aguelo
Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) - Ms. Karen Tañada
Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute - Atty.Eirene Jhone E. Aguila
Team RP - Prof. Gigi Francisco
Development Alternatives for Women in the New Era (DAWN) - Mr. Byron Abadeza
Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific - Mr. Abby Y. Pato
Task Force on Food Sovereignty Mindanao - Ms. Carolyn Arguillas
MindaNews - Mr. Abner Francisco
DXCA – FM - Mr. Rey Hulog
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas - Mr. Jose Pavia
Philippine Press Institute - Ms. Angelica Simone Mangahas
Ateneo Debate Society - Mr. Bartholome Guingona
pagbabago@pilipinas - Atty. Virginia S. Jose
Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) - Ms. Ellene Sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) - Ms. Ester Perez Tagle
Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP) - Ms. Luz Malihiran
Community Organizers Multiversity - Mr. Milo Tanchuling
Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) - Mr. Jude Esguerra
Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD) - Mr. Doy Cinco
Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD) - Mr. Ric Serrano
La Liga Policy Institute - Mr. Roland Cabigas
Mr. Rey Rasing Labor
Education and Research Network (LEARN) - Atty. Farah Marie Decano
Lady Local Legislators’ League of the Philippines, Inc. - Mr. Raymond Marvic
Baguilat UP Law Student Government - Mr. Ed Mora
Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas - Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr.
Siliman University – ASPAP - Ms. Evi-Ta Jimenez
Center for People Empowerment in Governance - Mr. Ben-Hur Sacopla
Southern Luzon State University ASPAP – Region IV - Dr. Buenaventura B. Dargantes
Program on Integrated Water Resources - Mr. Boy Nuera
Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN) - Mr. Roy Calfoforo
People’s Alternative Studies Center for Research and Education in Social Develoment (PASCRES) - Mr. Alain Pascua
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Filipino Democratic Movement (KAAKBAY) - Mr. Reggie Guillen
GCAP-Phils - Mr. Horacio T. Cadiz
The Philippine Network Foundation, Inc (PHNET) - Mr. Joe Valencia
KASAPI-HELLAS - Mr. Nestor Villanueva
Akbayan Greece - Ms. Mardi Mapa-Suplido
Negros Peace Watch - Dr. Jose Reuben
Alagaran Philippines Communication Society - Ms. Aurora Regalado
Management Organization for Development and Empowerment - Mr. Ernesto Lim Jr.
People’s Campaign on Agrarian Reform (AR NOW!) - Mr. Anthony Marzan
KAISAHAN - Mr. Nonoy Oplas
Minimal Government Thinkers - Mr. Jesus Vicente Garganera
Alyansa Tigil Mina - Ms. Luz Cabucos-Fegarido
RSW - Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Tison
Paghiliusa sa Paghidaet-Negros (PsPN) - Ms. Trinidad Domingo
Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan - Mr. Richard Gutierrez
Ban Toxics - Mr. Harvey Keh
Kaya Natin! Movement - Mr. Czarina Sacaguing
Confederation of Student Government in the Philippines - Dr. Ma. Olivia Domingo
Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy, UP NCPAG - Dr. Angelo Ramos
Philippine Community e-Center Network - Ms. Mae Sabio Sulong
CARPER - Mr. Diosdado Calmada
PEACE - Ms. Lanie Factor
Task Force Mapalad - Ms. Maris Dela Cruz – Cardenas
EmPOWER Consumers - Atty. Elpidio Peria
Third World Network; Vice Chairman, Social Concerns Committee, IBP South Cotabato – General Santos City - Mr. Angelito R. Mendoza
Coalition for Health Advocacy and Transparency - Mr. Omi Royandoyan
Centro Saka - Ms. Florencia Casanova-Dorotan
Women’s Action Network for Development - Ms. Violeta Corral
Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan - Ms. Michelle Domocol
Visayas Climate Action Network - Judge Dolores L. Español (Ret.)
Transparency International – Philippines - Mr. Roby Alampay
Southeast Asian Press Alliance - Ms. Teresita Quintos Deles
International Center on Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov) - Ms. Maita Gomez
Bantay Kita - College Editors Guild of the Philippines
- Ms. Emy M. Santos National
Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) - Ms. Tes M. Borgoños
Manggagawang Kababaihang Mithi ay Paglaya (MAKALAYA) - Ms. Marilyn Fuentes
National Union of Building and Construction Workers - Atty. Michael Yu
Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cebu City Chapter - Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio
Center for Women’s Studies, University of the Philippines - Mr. Viktor Samuel Fontanilla
UP ALYANSA - Ms. Anna Luz Lopez
UP BUKLOD CSSP - Mr. Jeffrey Crisostomo
AKBAYAN Youth – UP Diliman - Ms. Susan Ople
Blas Ople Foundation - Mr. Romeo Cabugnasan
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino - Mr. Gus Miclat
Initiative for International Dialogue - Mr. Antonio Claparols
Ecological Society of the Philippines - Mr. Javier Claparols
Ecological Society of the Philippines - Dr. Helen N. Mendoza
Soljuspax - Dr. Mario Joyo Aguja
Mindanao State University System Faculty Federation - Ms. Maria Rita Melecio
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Davao - Mr. Juanito Enriquez
Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace - Ms. Edeliza Hernandez
Medical Action Group - Ms. Laudica Casana Anda
Rural Women Workers Alliance for Progress - Ms. Flordeliz Abanto
Philippine Association of Communication Educators Foundation, Inc. (PACE) - Ms. Victoria M. Segovia
Partnership for Clean Air - Ms. Grace Chua
Consumer Rights for Safe Food - Ms. Noemi Tirona
Network Opposed to GMOs - Ms. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz
Ang Nars - Mr. Manny C. Calonzo
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives - Atty. Solomon Lumba
Institute for Freedom of Information - Ms. Paula Mae B. Tanquieng
Ayos na Gamot sa Abot-Kayang Presyo (AGAP) - Ms. Annie M. Sandalo
Code Foundation, Inc. - Ed Caharian
Philippine Agency for Community and Family - Fr. Victor “Junvic” Diolata, Jr., SSS
Co-Executive Secretary of AMRSP - Fr. Jesus Malit, SSS
AMRSP - Sr. Mary John Mannanzan, OSB
AMRSP - Mr. Narciso Jover Jr.
Tri-people Concern for Peace, Progress and Development of Mindanao (TRICOM) - Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos
Atty. Dante T. Ramos
Phil. Earth Justice Center, Inc. - Maria V. Mendoza
Fair Trade Alliance – Philippines (FairTrade) - Mr. Tirso N. Paglicawan, Jr.
Kapisanan ng mga Kawani ng Koreo sa Pilipinas Mr. Dante Dean M. Barola (KKKP); Hukuman ng Mamamayan Movement, Inc. - Mr. Manuel G. Rama
PhilPost Rank-and-File Employees Association - Ms. Marlene Ramirez
AsiaDHRRA - Ms. Minerva Gonzales
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Asia - Mr. Angelito Calderon
Lakas Mangagawa Labor Center (LMLC) - Ms. Ember Cruz
Trade Advocates Group - Ms. Mary Joycer Filomeno
Youth Advocates for Economic Progress (YAEP) - Ms. Eileen Matute Coconut
Industry Reform Movement (COIR) - Mr. David Diwa
National Labor Union - Mr. Angel Dimalanta
Automotive Industry Workers Alliance - Ms. Lia Jasmin Esquillo
Interface Development Interventions - Mr. Nazaño Cacayan
Yamog Foundation - Mr. Frank Meno
Philippine Metalworkers Alliance (PMA) - Mr. Eleuterio Tuazon
Philippine Association of Free Labor Unions - Mr. Ronaldo Tuazon
Workers Welfare Watch – Philippines - Mr. John Gamit
Christian Life Community of the Philippines - Mr. Manny Arias
Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Mangagawa sa Pilipinas - Ms. Romina Astrid Lim
Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project - Mr. Vince Cinches
Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. - Dr. Suzette H. Lazo, MD
- Mr. Roberto Versola
Riedo Panaligan
Philippine Greens - Ms. Jessica Reyes-Cantos
Rice Watch and Action Network - Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan
Action for Economic Reforms (AER)