CEBU, Philippines — The Freedom of Information-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) commended Bohol for being the first provincial government in coming up with a freedom of information (FOI) ordinance.
Governor Edgar Chatto received last week a letter of commendation (dated August 13, 2018) from Policy and Special Concerns’ Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablam, also FOI-PMO director.
“On behalf of the National FOI Program, let me congratulate the Province of Bohol on its achievement as the pioneer province in the Visayas to have an FOI Ordinance,” Ablam said.
He added that the FOI-PMO thanks Bohol for the “efforts and dedication in localizing the FOI. ”This milestone is a step forward towards FOI program’s vision for a more transparent nation.”
Ablam said the FOI-PMO “assures the Provincial Government of Bohol of its commitment in providing constant guidance on this venture,” and that his office will provide assistance in the FOI program implementation.
Provincial Board Member Tomas Abapo sponsored the FOI ordinance, with PB members Ricky Masamayor and Venzencio Arcamo as co-sponsors. Chatto signed it into law on July 31. (FREEMAN)