What are the advantages of FOI?

Easier information access; greater public awareness of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; enhanced government efficiency and responsiveness; greater public participation in federal government affairs; enhanced public confidence in the federal government; and better quality information at reduced cost.

What information can we ask for through FOI?

What information can I ask for through FOI? Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions – as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development.

What is covered by FOI?

When is information covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.

What is the purpose of the FOI program?

FOI allows Filipino citizens to request any information about government transactions and operations, provided that it shall not put into jeopardy privacy and matters of national security. The FOI mechanism for the Executive Branch is enabled through Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016.

Why is freedom of information important in the Philippines?

The bill was first filed in 1992 by then first district of Pangasinan representative Oscar Orbos. According to a Rappler report, this right to Freedom of Information was expanded after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, which ousted the Marcos dictatorship. This FOI bill has always been the subject of news, especially that this concerns all Filipinos.

How does solar para sa Bayan affect the Philippines?

Solar Para sa Bayan’s franchise does not alter or affect the Philippines Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) responsibility to promote private sector participation in “the electrification of remote, unviable, unserved and underserved areas,” for instance, according to one local news report.

Why is solar energy good for the Philippines?

Doing so now not only makes sound economic and financial sense, it would yield deep, long-lasting social and environmental benefits that economic models just don’t account for, solar and renewable energy advocates and proponents say.

Why did the FOI bill fail in 2009?

In 2009, the bill failed ratification because the House of Representatives lacked the required quorum. Several attempts were made after that but the situation remains almost the same. President PNoy has lately come under a lot of criticism for failing to make FOI a priority bill.