Bong Go backs FOI bill
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his strong support for the pending Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, affirming that it is high time the Philippine government fortified its commitment to transparency and accountability across the bureaucracy.
“Alam n’yo, it’s about time na magkaroon tayo ng Freedom of Information law mismo. Mayroon tayo ngayong Executive Order (EO) issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte, pero ang sakop po nito ay taga-Executive Branch lamang,” Go said, referring to EO No. 2 issued by Duterte in 2016 but was limited to the executive branch only.
Go further emphasized that the implementation of an FOI law would institutionalize transparency within all branches of the government.
“Kung maisabatas po ito, mai-institutionalize natin ang transparency sa gobyerno. Mag-allocate din tayo ng pondo. Tatlong dekada na pong pending ito sa (lehislatibo),” he added.
The senator underscored the crucial role of such a bill in curbing corruption and irregularities in government functions. “Kung mayroong transparency, mas maiiwasan natin ang korapsyon at katiwalian sa gobyerno,” he said.
“Wala naman tayong dapat ikatakot kung wala tayong itinatago,” Go stressed.
Despite being a longstanding proposal, the FOI bill has faced opposition, particularly concerning potential infringements on personal privacy. Go acknowledged this concern and stressed the importance of striking a balance between government transparency and the right to privacy.
“At I’m sure pinag-aaralan din po ito ng ating gobyerno, ang Executive Department, paano nila ito ipinapatupad dahil binabalanse nga po nila ‘yung right to privacy,” the senator said.
Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office expressed unwavering support for the FOI bill’s enactment into law. Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva filed their own versions of the proposed legislation.
While defending his stance on the FOI bill, Go also emphasized his belief that being in government necessitates the upholding of transparency. “At para sa akin, kapag nasa gobyerno tayo, dapat po ay mayroong transparency,” he stated.
However, he also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the bill does not infringe upon any right particularly to privacy.
