UPD CSSP Student Council: Informed and Empowered

"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."

Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 7

1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines

Today, September 28, marks the International Right to Know Day. With the same goal as the Freedom of Information Bill, this event highlights the right of citizens to access to information from public offices. Ultimately, this paves the way towards a more transparent and accountable government. 

President Benigno Aquino III promised right after his electoral victory to prioritize the FOI Bill. However, it is disappointing to know that up to now, a semblance of a scheduled committee hearing in October has been the only progress for this piece of legislation. 

We, the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council, emphasize the urgent need for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. We call on our legislators to fulfill their promise of a committee hearing this October. It is about time that we prioritize this because aside from being an anti-corruption tool, the FOI Bill also provides an avenue for participatory governance. This will result to the creation of an atmosphere of openness and honesty in a government whose power emanates from the Filipino people.

With the FOI Law, we will gain access to information that will empower us as citizens. With the FOI Law, we can become citizens who are actively involved in catalyzing change in society.

CSSP, tuloy tayo sa laban para sa isang pamahalaang bukas at may pananagutan!

Tuloy tayo sa pagsasabatas ng FOI Bill!

The CSSP Student Council of the University of the Philippines - Diliman is the convenor of the FOI Youth Initiative. To know more about the FYI, click the link: https://www.facebook.com/Youth4FOI 

The FOI Youth Initiative (FYI) is a network of youth and student organizations that are committed in being involved in the campaign for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill in Congress. FYI is part of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition.