Kiko Pangilinan Assails Malacanang's Veto of Right to Information

Independent Senator Kiko Pangilinan blasts Malacanang's veto of the passage of the section on Right to Information in the 2009 general appropriations bill that may serve as a safety net of transparency and accountability in government.

This section was previously approved by Congress for the 2007 budget. It was subsequently vetoed by the Office of the President. It was not proposed for the 2008 budget. The Office of the President once again did not include the Right to Information section in its proposed 2009 P1.4 trillion budget.

"Congress included the provision in the budget, and Malacanang vetoed it again, like it did for the 2007 budget. This is so wrong." Pangilinan said.

"This government is blatant in its continued opposition of anything that would hold them accountable to the public. This veto is a license for them to continue with their corrupt ways because documents and official communication can be withheld, thereby depriving the public vital information regarding government transactions."