President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signs the executive order on the Freedom of Information on Saturday, July 23, 2016.
SIMEON CELI/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISIO
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the executive order (EO) for the implementation of freedom of information (FOI) in the executive branch.
The order applies to government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCC’s), state universities and colleges.
All local government units are encouraged to observe the newly approved order.
The executive order states: “Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for public document.”
Access will only be denied if data being requested falls under any of the exceptions stated in the constitution.
The Department of Justice and the Solicitor General are given 30 days to prepare an inventory of exemptions which will be submitted to the Office of the President.
Officials and employees from the executive branch of the government are also reminded of their obligation to submit their statement of assets, liabilities and net worth or SALN in adherence to the existing law and provisions stated in the executive order.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said, any person may be granted information by writing a letter of request to duly authorized personnel assigned by the head of the government agency. After review of the letter, the assigned personnel should give the information within 15 days.
If request has been denied, petitioner may appeal to a higher official and must be decided upon within 30 working days.
The executive order notes that requests will not be charged with acceptance fees. However, the agency may require reimbursement for reproduction costs.
All government agencies are directed to produce a people’s freedom of information manual that will serve as a guideline in requesting information.
Concerned parties who will be proven violating the provisions in the order, will face administrative and disciplinary sanctions. (NEL MARIBOJOC/UNTV News&Rescue)
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