In his letter titled “Ex-newsmen, FOI ‘killers’”(Inquirer, 12/3/12), Eusebio San Diego derided House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. (SB) and Rep. Ben Evardone for allegedly stalling the passage of the freedom of information (FOI) bill.
The allegation is baseless and unfair.
San Diego maliciously ignored the fact that both the Speaker and the chairman of the committee on information are in favor of the FOI measure.
But both respect the views of those who are opposed.
Like San Diego, I have had the privilege of working with the Speaker since he was mayor of Quezon City. He values his membership in the media fraternity and will always support any measure which will give media unfettered access to information, particularly on issues of public concern.
I know that Representative Evardone recently met with the officers of National Press Club to assure them that he will endeavor to have the FOI bill approved as soon as possible.
It is unkind for San Diego to suggest that Speaker Belmonte and Representative Evardone have turned their backs on the profession to which they belong. Both believe that membership in the media fraternity is a lifetime commitment and occupation.
—ERNIE G. BANAWIS,
22 Everlasting,
Roxas District, Quezon City