Liberal Lawmakers Push for Institutionalized Freedom of Information Act

Lawmakers affiliated with the Liberal Party have collectively filed a new measure to institutionalize the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, aiming to enhance public access to government information, including the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of public officials.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Makabayan party-list Representative Leila De Lima highlighted the need for the legislation, citing gaps in the execution of the previous administration's Executive Order 2, and the absence of a mandatory disclosure policy across government agencies.

She stated, "This proposal is a powerful tool against corruption, misinformation, and the lack of honesty and accountability in government."

The proposed People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025 (House Bill 2897) was authored by a group of representatives including Edgar Erice (Caloocan City), Adrian Michael Amatong (Zamboanga del Norte), Arlene Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Jaime Fresnedi (Muntinlupa City), Cielo Krisel Lagman (Albay), and Alfonso Umali Jr. (Oriental Mindoro).

Under HB 2897, all Filipino citizens have the right to request and be granted access to any records managed by government agencies. The bill requires government bodies and public officials to disclose all information related to official acts, transactions, decisions, and government research data used for policy-making. These records must be available for inspection, copying, and reproduction.

However, the legislation exempts certain categories from public access, including information affecting national security, foreign relations, defense, law enforcement procedures, trade secrets, and matters concerning personal privacy or other legally protected rights.

An additional provision mandates that government agency websites publish a record of the requests received, their status updates, and resolution outcomes. Once a piece of information is released to one requester, it should become accessible to the general public.

De Lima emphasized, "Honesty and accountability must be the standard operating procedures in government. Public office is public trust. Nothing should be hidden from the people, who are the true source of governmental authority."

The bill sets penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment ranging from one to six years and fines between ₱100,000 and ₱1 million.