SENATE STARTS FOI PERIOD OF AMENDMENTS

The Senate is expected to timely pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, as it begins the period of amendments next week.

"We are hopeful that the FOI will make it to the list of important laws that our citizens can lean on," said Sen. Grace Poe, sponsor of the measure.

The Upper Chamber ended the period of debates on the measure Tuesday (Feb. 11), after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada's interpellation.

Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago, Juan Ponce Enrile, Alan Peter Cayetano, Koko Pimentel, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Sonny Angara, Vicente Sotto III, and Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier provided inputs in their interpellation to strengthen the bill.

Poe stressed that steadfast public support is needed in hurdling challenges to the enactment of the FOI.

The Upper Chamber is expected to pass the bill on second reading after concluding the period of amendments.

The measure shall allow every Filipino citizen to request and be granted access to any record or information that is under the control of the government, subject to reasonable exceptions.

The Senate version is a consolidation of 12 bills, including the indirect petition of the advocacy group Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition.