Palace drafting own FOI bill

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino assured the people that the administration is finalizing its version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, which would protect the interests of government to secure confidential data while enhancing the public’s right to know. Watch full video

“This right to know carries with it responsibilities – to use the information available in context; to present facts fairly; and to be conscious of some elements who may want to use the information not to inform the public, but to, rather, inflame them,” Aquino said.

Aquino made the remarks last Thursday night at the party hosted by The Philippine STAR at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The newspaper was first published during the presidency of Aquino’s mother, Corazon, in 1986.

He said the government is close to suggesting legislation that balances the concerns of many stakeholders and at the same time truly empower the citizenry towards coming up with informed decisions, consistent with the 1987 Constitution.

“Once this bill is passed into law, the media will have greater access to all kinds of sensitive information. It is incumbent on you to use this access carefully and responsibly,” the President said as he asked media not to view his statement as an attack on the free press.

“Partnership does not mean that we want media to be lapdogs of government; at the same time, media shouldn’t allow themselves to be used as attack dogs either,” the President said, adding that the media’s ultimate role is to be a watchdog of the government.

Aquino also joked that the passage of the FOI bill might jeopardize his love life that he wishes would be kept private.

“If I were courting someone and this person sent me a private letter, am I obliged to disclose the details of that message to Ricky Lo (The STAR entertainment editor)?” he asked in jest, drawing both laughter and applause from the crowd of mostly VIPs in showbiz, government and the diplomatic corps.

“Do I now have to submit transcripts of our conversations to your lifestyle section? I say this partly in jest to illustrate the importance of finding that balance,” Aquino pointed out.

Lo, a respected showbiz figure, is a close friend of Aquino’s younger sister, actress and television host Kris.

The President, who has been begging journalists to spare his love life from coverage and scrutiny, said the government wants an FOI bill that will “balance legitimate needs for secrecy with the public’s right to know” and not just take the line of fundamentalists.

“We are carefully studying the details of such legislation in order to ensure that it serves the public interest without compromising it,” said the President, who lauded The STAR’s fair reportage for the past 25 years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those who strive to listen to all sides of a story before forming what can be considered a balanced news report,” Aquino added, commending the leadership of The STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte.

Except for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who confirmed attendance but was hospitalized recently and underwent spine surgery, her predecessors Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos attended the party.

“Again, congratulations to The Philippine STAR. I am counting on you to remain the publication in which fairness and, above all, truth, prevails. Like the Star of Betlehem, may The Philippine STAR continue to shine the way towards the right path,” Aquino said, as he called for a toast.

The President acknowledged that The Philippine STAR was born during his mother’s incumbency, as a result of the martial law reign of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“While it was one of many other newspapers sprouting up after the winter of oppression, to many, it was a symbol of the recovery of free speech. And today, this recovery of free speech is what we are commemorating,” he said.

Before and while delivering his speech, he made special mention of old friends like STAR pioneer Jess Diaz and columnist Billy Esposo, “who, more often than not, have always been supportive of our efforts.”

“But seemingly, there are more who cannot seem to find anything positive in what we do. By physical weight, you might say that there is a balance, given Billy’s girth,” Aquino said in jest of Esposo, whose column is entitled “The Wrecking Chair.”

Aquino was accompanied by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to the hotel, where they were received by STAR president/CEO Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte and DBP board member Kevin Belmonte.

The President also lauded the charity projects of The STAR, which were initiated by the late Betty Go-Belmonte.

“I assure you that as you continue your good work, I will continue mine, following through on what I pledged to our people.”

“Just like the Operation Damayan project that one of your founders, Betty Go-Belmonte started in 1988, the rebuilding of our nation involves all of us. The success of our fellow Filipinos is our success, and so we cannot and we must not rest until we are able to empower each Juan and Juana de la Cruz,” Aquino said.

At the same time, he called on the newspaper to continue its job of keeping the citizenry informed.

Government officials who attended the party included Secretaries Rene Almendras (energy), Cesar Purisima (finance), Voltaire Gazmin (defense), PCGG chairman Andy Bautista, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula, among many others.