Youth watching House leaders’ action on FOI bill

Freedom of information is an issue that concerns also the youth. We recognize that establishing mechanisms for public transparency and accountability is necessary in shaping a government that is genuinely open and honest to the people. Why would the youth be concerned about such matters? It is because the challenge of leadership in this country will be upon us in the future. And we do not want to inherit a government that fosters a culture of secrecy and distrust. It’s high time for the youth to join the call of various sectors for the enactment of a freedom of information law.

It is in our earnest hope that the House of Representatives and the Senate will remove all obstacles in the enactment of this vital piece of legislation. It does not matter to us that it is a priority of the administration (if indeed it is), because we strongly believe that it should be a priority of a just and free society.

The leadership of the House of Representatives has already declared that this October, there will be a hearing on the FOI bill. Rest assured that young people are watching their every move, whether or not they are fulfilling their promises.

—CHRIS ALQUIZALAS,

FOI Youth Initiative (FYI),

chrisalquizalas@gmail.com