FOI ordinance seeks to streamline public info access

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is ramping up efforts to institutionalize transparency as deliberations for its proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) ordinance begin at the Provincial Board (PB).

The measure, authored by PB Member Malcolm Sanchez, seeks to standardize public access to government records. It has already passed first reading and has been referred for committee hearing.

Alongside this, the Capitol has also begun preparing its workforce and partner institutions through a series of training aimed at ensuring smooth implementation once the ordinance is approved.

The Provincial Information Office (PIO), which will take the lead in implementing the FOI program, recently organized a virtual training attended by Capitol employees, FOI focal persons from component local government units (LGUs), and representatives from state universities and government-owned and controlled corporations.

PIO Head Ainjieliz Dela Torre-Orong said the proposed ordinance introduces a more organized system in handling public information requests.

“Mas systematic ang pag-release information. Basically nag-practice na ang transparency diri sa province, but ang system ang naka nindot gyud sa FOI,” she said.

She explained that the FOI mechanism will provide a clear process for the public on how to access government information.

“Naa siyay system for the people on how to ask information sa province. So any information that they would need, regardless if it’s for academic purposes or historical information, they can ask from the province,” Dela Torre-Orong added.

Under the proposed system, each department will designate its own FOI receiving officer to handle requests.

“Each department will have a Freedom of Information receiving officer,” she said.

She noted that this setup aims to streamline the process and improve efficiency in responding to requests.

Requests may be submitted online, but a physical help desk will also be established at the Capitol to assist individuals who may not be familiar with digital platforms.

“Pwede sila mo ask online, pero mag-set up sad ta ug receiving office here sa desk sa Capitol para sa dili kaayo techy,” she said.

Once a request is filed, the receiving officer will determine the appropriate office and ensure the request is processed within a prescribed period.

“There’s a certain amount of days na ma-release ang information. Lahi-lahi man gyud na based on the complexity of information,” she explained.

Dela Torre-Orong clarified that while the FOI promotes transparency, there are still limitations guided by existing laws, particularly on data privacy.

“Under sa FOI naa gyud tay exemptions. For example, dili pwede ma-release ang certain information like hospital records or names of patients,” she said.

To ensure compliance, the province has also conducted training sessions for FOI receiving officers, PIO personnel of LGUs, as well as representatives from GOCCs and state universities.

While LGUs are encouraged to adopt their own FOI mechanisms, Dela Torre-Orong emphasized that the provincial ordinance does not make it mandatory for them.

“Dili siya mandatory. Gi-urge lang ang LGUs kay dapat ang FOI mahimong executive order or ordinance per LGU, kay lahi-lahi man gyud ang mechanism,” she said.

She added that LGUs were included in the training to better understand how the system works and prepare them for possible adoption in their respective jurisdictions.

The proposed ordinance is now set to move to the next stage, with a second reading expected in the upcoming PB sessions.

Dela Torre-Orong said further discussions will be conducted, including presentations from representatives of the Presidential Communications Office’s FOI Program Management Office.

She also underscored that the push for FOI goes beyond compliance with national directives, stressing its role in empowering the public.

“FOI is really the right of the people to get information from the government,” she said.

At the same time, the initiative is seen as a tool to combat the spread of false information.

“This is also our way of fighting misinformation. When people are not equipped with the right information, that’s when they share fake news,” Dela Torre-Orong explained.

She added that providing accessible and accurate government data will help build public trust and promote informed decision-making.

“With this, kung kahibaw sila nga naa’y saktong information gikan sa province or LGU, hopefully this will fight misinformation,” she said.

The province’s FOI push builds on earlier efforts, including benchmarking activities with national agencies and other LGUs known for implementing similar transparency programs. — Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Intern/MRM (FREEMAN)