FOI and the right to know

CHEERS TO Rappler.com for reviewing freedom of information (FOI) laws worldwide, and the state of access to information in the Philippines and the right to know. 

The report, “Why the Philippines needs a freedom of information law,” published on Rappler’s website on July 21, analyzed FOI laws in other countries, noted their common features, and compared them with current practice in the Philippines. 

The report reviewed FOI laws in 15 countries including Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Finland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. 

Rappler noted that in other countries, there is no need to justify why one is requesting information, verbal information that are passed on during meetings are noted and archived, there are oversight bodies which will ensure access to information, and there are penalties for those who refuse requests. 

The report also discussed Philippine laws that allow access to public information such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Government Procurement Reform Act. Rappler stressed that there is still a need to pass an FOI law despite these laws’ being already in place.

It added that while government offices are mandated to make public documents available, journalists still find it hard to access public records such as Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALNs) and government contracts. 

The report also acknowledged the government’s efforts in promoting transparency such as the Open Data Portal, but mentioned that the available data is “not updated in a timely fashion” and “still falls far short of what is known to be kept by most government offices.” 

Rappler on July 23 published another report, “Fast Facts: Freedom of information laws around the world,” which served as “a quick guide” to FOI laws in other countries. It further discussed the laws’ strengths and impact to society. 

The Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility is a member of the Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition, a network of organizations and individuals advocating the enactment of a freedom of information law in the Philippines.