What’s in the Palace version of the FOI bill? – RAPPLER – Philippine News | Multimedia | Citizen Journalism | Social Media.

by RAPPLER.COM

February 3, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – Here are some things you need to know about the proposed version of the Freedom of Information bill, sent by Malacañang to the House of Representatives on Thursday.

This FAQ is based on the “Q & A” from http://www.gov.ph/foi.

Who can request for information, and what can be requested? Anyone who is a Filipino citizen can ask information about official acts, transactions, decisions, and government research data from all government agencies in all branches of government.

What information shall be kept confidential by the government? However, certain information, such as “Secret” documents, minutes of executive sessions, and sensitive information (such as defense and intelligence information) shall be excluded and will remain classified. Details are under Section 6 of the bill.

What’s different in the Palace version of the bill? The Palace version of the FOI bill has the following:

• Expanded access to financial information, such as Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), and other kinds of information regarding government transactions
• Collation of legislative acts, executive and administrative orders, proclamations, and similar information in one website, the Official Gazette
• Government agencies will be asked to translate information in major Filipino languages
• All agencies and entities will have a “Freedom of Information Manual” to guide officials, employees, and the public

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