THAILAND AND Indonesia have already been implementing a law for free access to all government information pertinent to the public. The Philippines could have been the third Southeast Asian nation to pass a Freedom of Information (FOI). However, with repeated legislative delays, the 14-year journey of the FOI bill in Congress only ended in dismal defeat.

July 29, 1996
The birth of a bill

Back during the time of former President Fidel Ramos, rep. Raul Daza filed the “Freedom of Access to Information Act” that will ensure the public of “absolute and mandatory access to matters of official information, public concern, and public interest.”

1996-2001
Slow motions

There were no significant movements in both houses since the filing of the bill’s first draft.

July 2002

Constructive Comments Article 19, an international advocacy group, published comments on the FOI bill draft. In October 2003, they released new comments such as asserting the duty to publish information even without public request.

June 4, 2004
The senate acts

In the 13th Congress, Senators Franklin Drilon and Manuel Villar each filed drafts of the FOI bill. Two months later, Sen. Sergio Osmeña III filed his own version.

July 2007
Stunted action

Headed by Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., the Senate Committee on Public Information prioritized bills concerning sex videos and piracy. When Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano replaced Revilla, the FOI bill became top priority once again.

March 10,2008
Final Draft

After four versions from the Senate and 13 from Congress, HB 3732, the “Freedom of Information Act of 2008,” became the mother bill. Sen. Edgardo Angara was its principal author.

April 30, 2008
Second reading

HB 3732 was passed on its second reading after a series of debates and amendments.

May 12, 2008
Congress appproves

On its final reading, the Lower House passed HB 3732 as 197 out of 250 members voted in its favor.

Dec 14, 2009
Settling differences

The Senate’s version of the bill, SB 3308, the “Freedom of Information Act of 2009” was passed on its third reading. A bicameral committee was set up to settle its differences from HB 3732, the initial bill.

Feb 1, 2010
Last two steps

The Senate ratified the bill after receiving the reconciled version from the bicameral committee. At this point, two steps were left before its enactment: Congress’ ratification and the President’s signature.

Feb 3, 2010
Quorum not met

Before Congress had a break for the elections, a lack of quorum prevented the ratification of the reconciled version of the bill.

June 4, 2010
A lost battle

Though canvassing of votes was deferred to discuss pending laws, Congress once again failed to ratify the FOI bill due to poor attendance. Congress was seven members short of a quorum.

June 15, 2010
A fresh start

Bayan Muna representatives Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares re-filed the Freedom of Information Bill at the start of the 15th Congress.