STATEMENT OF SENATOR TG GUINGONA RE: PALACE VERSION
OF FOI BILL

We agree with the President that there is a need to ensure that the rights of everyone are protected in the proposed FOI legislation . This is the reason that we have put in the bill measures to create that balance, including list of exemptions such as information affecting national security or trade negotiations, and those of private individual. What we are after here is changing the culture of secrecy that breeds corrupt practices into a more transparent and accountable governance consistent with the President's "daang matuwid". We are open to dialogue with the Executive to listen to their concerns on the current form of the FOI bill. Thank you