Media: Gov’t obligation to pass freedom of information law – Interaksyon.com.

MANILA, Philippines – Journalists on Tuesday called on the Aquino administration to immediately enact the Freedom of Information bill, saying it “is government’s obligation to the people.”

In Malacanang, Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the administration was coming close to completing its draft of the bill.

And media groups pushing the passage of the FOI bill found an ally in Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who said the continued delay in adopting the measure “does not only make the country remain as one among the world’s most dangerous places for journalists, but hampers the empowerment of the citizenry towards good governance and national development.”

Aquino came under criticism from several media and freedom of information advocacy groups when he dropped the FOI bill from the 17 priority measures he gave to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council when it convened on February 28.

The Palace said at the time it was drafting it own version of the measure, citing concerns it might be abused and the need to balance transparency and national security.

“We’re introducing something new. I’m not sure if I’m at liberty to say it,” Lacierda said in an interview with reporters.

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