PCIJ decries House leaders' move to turn off microphones at FOI hearing

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism decried yesterday the move of the House leadership to turn off the microphones in the session hall when authors of the Freedom of Information bill were trying to have the proposed measure ratified Monday.

“They (FOI proponents) were virtually gagged – the microphones on the floor were turned off,” PCIJ director Malou Mangahas said.

The microphones were turned off as Representatives Neri Colmenares and Bienvenido Abante were shouting in the plenary.

Meanwhile, Malacañang, reiterated its call for the immediate ratification of the measure.

Mangahas bewailed that Speaker Prospero Nograles – co-author of the bill “spurned us again the second time.” “Our reporters and representatives all saw what happened – Rep. Abante and the other authors of the bill were ready to move for its ratification,” he said.

The House leader said the FOI bill has been included in the agenda for June 4, when Congress will be adjourning sine die.

Nograles pointed out, however, that its ratification would still depend on a quorum, and on the willingness of the lawmakers to do it.

“The people are now more aware of the values to democracy of this measure. And yes, if the Speaker reneges again on his promise, he would have been so shamed and has only himself to blame,” Mangahas warned.

“On Friday, we might still have a last stand, a la Masada of sorts, for the FOI bill,” she said. 

Masada refers to an ancient Jewish mountain stronghold that fell to the Romans after a valiant defense.

Last May 24, when Congress resumed session, the Speaker clarified they were not going to take up any bill because both chambers have a mandate to convene as a National Board of Canvassers to tabulate the votes for the president and vice president.

“I think you will all agree with me that canvassing as a constitutional duty to proclaim the president and the vice president takes precedence over legislative matters,” Nograles told newsmen.

He clarified he was instrumental in having the case go through smooth sailing from first to third reading, approval from the bicameral conference committee, but it was not his “fault that two congressmen from Cebu started to squabble on the floor and we had no quorum.” – With Paolo Romero