“It’s a bill that enables the Filipino people, citizens of a democratic society, to access information on government dealings and transactions. This is basic right to information and freedom of expression, this is a right, not a privilege,” [CIBAC party list Rep. Chona] Gonzales explained. 

CITIZENS Battle Against Corruption Rep. Chona Cruz-Gonzales yesterday hit the failure of the House of Representatives to ratify the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) as it adjourned session last Wednesday to give way for the national campaign. Gonzales, one of the principal proponents of the measure, lamented that the absence of quorum was the culprit behind the virtual death of FOI which would provide citizens with an enabling law that gives flesh to their right enshrined in the Constitution to have easy access to information being held by the government.

She believes that miracles would save FOI from the grave when Congress resumes session on May 31 to June 2 for the canvassing of votes for presidential and vice presidential candidates before the 14th Congress goes on sine die adjournment.

“We were so close to completing the process and yet it remained elusive towards the end,” said Gonzales, a first-term lawmaker, adding that her experience in FOI deliberations was both frustrating and an eye-opener.  

Gonzales said it is now clear that controversial bills such the FOI contained under Senate Bill (SB) No. 3308 and House Bill (HB) No.  3732 is always at the mercy of the House leadership.  “It would have been the last step. The bill was already ratified in the Senate, there was no reason not to ratify it in the House, it was really frustrating, yet it taught me important lessons about the realities of the legislative process in our government” said Gonzales.

CIBAC Rep. Joel Villanueva, also a main proponent that pushed for the approval of FOI since 2001 to increase transparency in government, was also very disappointed,” she said.

“It’s a bill that enables the Filipino people, citizens of a democratic society, to access information on government dealings and transactions. This is basic right to information and freedom of expression, this is a right, not a privilege,” Gonzales explained.


SOURCE:   PEOPLE'S TONIGHT/PEOPLE'S JOURNAL by Ryan Ponce Pacpaco,  February 7, 2010   Sunday