The Freedom of Information bill (FOI) in the Senate and in the House of Representatives has advanced despite the odds, having passed the respective committees. FOI is now at a critical juncture, which will determine its passage in this 15th Congress.
Given that time is running out in the 15th Congress, we appeal to the Senate and House leadership, as well as to the Executive, to accord its passage the urgency it deserves.
It is within their powers to pass the FOI bill in the 15th Congress despite the time constraint.
The Senators can make good their earlier commitments to pass the FOI bill. They must find time to proceed with interpellation, amendments, and passage on second and third reading before they adjourn for the December break.
In the House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules, through the Majority Leader, is empowered to declare a bill urgent, and to set the number of days or hours to be allotted for the consideration of the bill in plenary, and when vote on the bill shall be taken.
To start the process, we demand that Rep. Evardone gives justice to the 17 members of the House who voted to approve the committee report last November 27, by submitting it to plenary today (Monday, December 3). The House leadership must then include the FOI bill in the Order of Business beginning this week.
On the part of the Executive, President Aquino can certify to the necessity of its immediate enactment, as he did with the Sin Tax Bill. This will place the FOI bill on par with the highest priority measures of Congress, and save it the delay from the interval of days needed in passing bills on second and third readings.
We take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the FOI champions who succeeded in having the committee report approved by the House committee, despite the odds. Principally, we recognize the leadership of Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada and the crucial interventions by Akbayan Reps. Walden Bello and Kaka Bag-ao, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, CIBAC Reps. Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales and Sherwin Tugna, and Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño.
We also express our heartfelt gratitude for the other regular, deputized and ex-officio members of the Committee on Public Information who answered the call for an affirmative vote on the FOI consolidated bill. They are Cebu 1st District Rep. Rachel Marguerite del Mar, Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Kabataan Rep Raymond Palatino, AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin, Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, DIWA Rep. Emmeline Aglipay, Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, An Waray Rep. Neil Benedict Montejo, and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo.
In plenary, we appeal to the proponents of the Right of Reply to allow the passage of the FOI. We urge them to pursue their Right of Reply advocacy independent of the FOI bill's passage. Constitutional and public policy issues remain unresolved around the Right of Reply, which should be fully deliberated in the separate measures also filed with Rep. Evardone's committee, with all the stakeholders consulted extensively.
We will support reasonable amendments to the FOI bill, like the provision on safeguard against abuse proposed by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy. We will likewise support an amendment that will address the concern of the Department of National Defense over the time gap between the repeal of the existing information classification guidelines and the promulgation of the new classification guidelines as provided under the bill.
Beyond this, all that remains for the 15th Congress is the fulfillment of a solemn promise to the people to pass the long-overdue Freedom of Information Act.
Signed (02 December 2012):
[FOI Youth Initiative (FYI) partner organization signatories are in blue.]
1. Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan
Co-Director, Institute for Freedom of Information and
Co-Convenor, Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition
2. Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, DD
Chairman, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines - National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA)
3. Ms. Malou Mangahas
Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
4. Mr. Peter Angelo V. Perfecto
Executive Director, Makati Business Club
5. Ms. Annie Geron
General Secretary, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK)
6. Prof. Luis Teodoro
Deputy Director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
7. Mr. Josua Mata
Secretary General, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
8. Ms. Yuen Abana
Campaign Coordinator, Partido ng Manggagawa
9. Ms. Clarissa V. Militante
Coordinator, Focus on the Global South, Philippines Programme
10. Mr. Jun Aguilar
Mr. Elso Cabangon
Filipino Migrant Workers Group
11. Mr. Max M. De Mesa
Chairperson, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
12. Mr. Ramon R. Tuazon, President
Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, President Emeritus & Senior Adviser
Ms. Madeline B. Quiamco, Dean
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication
13. Atty. Roberto Eugenio Cadiz
Executive Director, Libertás
14. Mr. Alwyn Alburo, Vice Chairman
Ms. Rowena Paraan, Secretary-General
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
15. Prof. Leonor M. Briones
Lead Covenor, Social Watch Philippines
16. Ms. Maxine Tanya Hamada
Executive Director, International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov)
17. Mr. Ariel Sebellino
Executive Director, Philippine Press Institute
18. Dr. Edna A. Co
Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman
19. Mr. Norman Cabrera, Secretary General
Mr. John Carlos G. de los Reyes, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Mr. Rizalito Y. David, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Atty. Marwil Llasos, Candidate for Senator (2013)
Mr. Carlos Cabochan, Candidate for Representative, 2nd District of Caloocan City (2013)
Mr. Harry Tambuatco, Candidate for Representative, Lone district of Muntinlupa city (2013)
Mr. Edilberto M. Cuenca, Candidate for Representative, 1st District of Makati City (2013)
Mr. Frank Reyes, Candidate for Representative, Lone District of Mandaluyong City (2013)
Ang Kapatiran Party
20. Atty. Eirene Jhone Aguila
FOI and New Politics Advocate
21. Ms. Joy Aceron
Program Director, Government Watch/ PODER, Ateneo School of Government
22. Mr. Sixto Donato C. Macasaet
Executive Director, Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO)
23. Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez
Southeast Asia Monitor for Action
24. Mr. Vincent Lazatin
Executive Director, Transparency and Accountability Network
25. Dr. Segundo Romero
Program Director, Ateneo School of Government
26. Mr. Ricardo Reyes
President, Freedom from Debt Coalition
27. Dr. Joseph Anthony Lim
Professor, Economics Department, Ateneo De Manila University
28. Dr. J. Prospero de Vera
Professor, UPNCPAG
Executive Director, Pimentel Institute for Leadership and Governance
29. Mr. Bong Fabe
Freelance journalist
30. Atty. Risa Halagueña
Fellow, Action for Economic Reforms
31. Sr. Cres Lucero, SFIC, Co-Chairperson
Mr. Emmanuel Amistad, Executive Director
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
32. Atty. Corazon Valdez Fabros
Lead Convenor, Stop the War Coalition Philippines
33. Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo, National Coordinator
Ms. Mercy Fabros, Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator
Ms. May-i Fabros, Coordinator of Young Women Collective
Ms. Rosheic Sims, Assistant Coordinator of Young Women Collective
WomanHealth Philippines
34. Mr. Rolando Ocampo
Spokesperson, Prudentialife Warriors/Movement for Change and Good Governance
35. Ms. Cielo Magno
Coordinator, Bantay Kita
36. Mr. Red Batario, Executive Director
Ms. G. Sevilla Alvarez, Program Director
Center for Community Journalism and Development
37. Mr. Isagani R. Serrano
President, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
38. Dr. Sylvia Estrada-Claudio
Director, University of the Philippines Center for Women’s Studies.
39. Ms. Jessica Reyes-Cantos
Lead Convenor, Rice Watch and Action Network
40. Ms. Ellene Sana
Executive Director, Center for Migrant Advocacy
41. Mr. Jaybee Garganera,
National Coordinator, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM)
42. Mr. Jong Pacanot
Secretary General, Freedom from Debt Coalition - Southern Mindanao
43. Ms. Evita L. Jimenez
Executive Director, Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)
44. Ms. Andrea Maria Patricia Sarenas
Chairperson, Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE)
45. Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ
Ehem Anticorruption Program
46. Mr. Jason Alacapa
Chairperson, University Student Council (UPM USC), UP Manila
47. Ms. Jean Enriquez
Executive Director, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific
48. Dr. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan
Executive Director, PhilRights
49. Atty. Ray Paolo J. Santiago
Executive Director, Ateneo Human Rights Center
50. Ms. Zenaida S. Mique
Executive Director, Claimants 1081
51. Sr. Nelda L. Balaba, OND
Program Coordinator, Justice and Peace Desk – Social Action Center, Diocese of Marbel
52. Ms. Marjorie Anne Yoro
Suprema, UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (KaPiTas), UP Diliman
53. Ms. Moses Albiento
Chairperson, Alliance of Student Leaders (ASL), Ateneo de Manila University
54. Mr. Joseph Angelo Gutierrez
Chairperson, Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), UP Los Baños
55. Mr. Tristan Daine Zinampan
Chairperson, Linking Everyone Towards Service CDC (LETS CDC), College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños
56. Ms. Mary Ann Fuertes
Executive Director, Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (Davao City)
57. Atty. Arvin A. Jo
Focal Person, The Access Initiative - Philippines
58. Ms. April Lamentillo
Supremo, Sandigan ng mga Iskolar para sa Nagkakaisang CAS (SINAG CAS), College of Arts and Sciences, UP Los Baños
59. Mr. Curt Russel Lopez Delfin
President, Metro Manila Alliance of Communication Students (MACS)
60. Mr. John Mark Salvador
President, Bagong Benilde, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
61. Mr. Van Battad
President, UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista (SIKAT), UP Diliman
62. Ms. Luisa Lioanag
Bos Tsip-Tsip, UP Bukluran sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Buklod-Isip), UP Diliman
63. Ms. Starjoan Villanueva
Executive Director, Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao
64. Mr. Joseph Purugganan
Coordinator, EU-ASEAN FTA Network
65. Ms. Patricza Torio
Tagapangulo, UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (LIKAS), UP Diliman
66. Ms. Marian Bahalla
Chairperson, Laban COC Party, College of Communication, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
67. Mr. Arjay Mercado
President, UP Economics Towards Consciousness (ETC), UP Diliman
68. Mr. Joshua Layog
Primer, Katipunan CHE, College of Human Ecology, UP Los Baños
69. Ms. Ema Escanilla
Speaker, UP People-Oriented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA), UP Diliman
70. Mr. Edward Dayog
President, UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates (OHRA), UP Diliman
71. Mr. JC Tejano
National Chairperson, Bukluran ng mga Progresibong Iskolar - UP System (BUKLURAN - UP SYSTEM)
72. Ms. Ara Tan
President, UP Kalipunan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (KMS), UP Diliman
73. Mr. Ace Ligsay
Chairperson, UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA), UP Diliman
74. Mr. Mickey Eva
President, Coalition for Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW Coalition)
75. Mr. Carlo Brolagda, Chairperson
Mr. Chris Alquizalas, Councilor
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC), UP Diliman / Convenors, FOI Youth Initiative (FYI)
76. Mr. Joshua Young
Chairperson, Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago - UPM (BIGKIS-UPM), UP Manila
77. Mr. Viko Fumar
President, BUKLOD CSSP, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman
78. Julliano Fernando A. Guiang
Councilor, University Student Council, UP Diliman
Convenor, Disclose All Records (DARe) Movement
79. Mr. Deg Daupan
President, Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral (AKMA), UP Baguio
80. Mr. Walter Tamayo
History Department Representative, AngKAS (CSSP History Department Core Group), UP Diliman
81. Mr. Gio Alejo
President, Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Manila University
82. Mr. Jose Valencia
President, KASAPI Kaisahan ng Migranteng Manggagawa sa Gresya
83. Mr. Lejun Dela Cruz
Acting Chairperson, Alab Katipunan
84. Aurora A. Regalado
Managing Trustee, Management and Organizational Development for Empowerment (MODE)
85. Mr. Renato Dela Cruz
President, Aniban ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (AMA)
86. Mr. Walter Balane
President, Bukidnon Press Club
87. Ms. Sylvia Paraguya
Chief Executive, National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO)
88. Mr. Pete Pinlac
Chairperson, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya
89. Mr. Pablo Rosales
Chairperson, Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda
90. Mr. Boy Alban
Chairperson, League of Urban Poor for Action
91. Mr. Jun Pascual
Acting Chairperson, Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid
92. Ms. Edeliza Hernandez
Executive Director, Medical Action Group
93. Dr. Renato G. Mabunga
Chairperson, Human Rights Defenders - Pilipinas
94. Fr. Edwin Gariguez
Coordinating Committee Member, Faith-based Congress Against Immoral Debts
95. Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB
Co-chairperson, Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines
96. Mr. Acmad Maruhom-Macatimbol
Executive Director, Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates
97. Ms. Jennifer Julia Lacaba
President, Animal Concerns and Awareness Club (AC2), University of the Philippines - Visayas Tacloban College
98. Mr. Xander Losaria
Secretary General, SENTRO - La Salle, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
99. Mr. Wilson Fortaleza
Kampanya para sa Makataong Pamumuhay
100. Prof. Flordeliz L. Abanto
Broadcast Journalism Coordinator, St. Scholastica's College, Manila
101. Prof. Nelson J. Celis
AES (Automated Election System) Watch
102. Prof. Angelina E. Borican
Journalism Professor, College of Communications
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
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