Clearly, hope for FOI is dim
From the look of things, the Filipino people cannot expect to have a freedom of information (FOI) law in the present administration.
Sadly, no mention of this very important measure needed to curb graft and corruption is heard from President Marcos Jr. or from any of the officials of his Cabinet, including Vice President Sara Duterte, who is concurrently secretary of the Department of Education.
Curiosly enough, even in his supposed inaugural address, not even a tiny iota of plan and commitment to end this much-needed problem was mentioned.
It took two women political leaders to push for the passage of the FOI law. Sen. Grace Poe steered its passage in the upper chamber. In the House of Representatives, it took a neophyte congresswoman to work and fight hard for the enactment of an FOI law—then Rep. Leni Robredo.
But alas and alack, the House leadership seemed to have no love lost for clean and honest governance. The Speaker and the chair of the committee on public information at that time did not act favorably for its approval.
Under this new administration, it is understandable that we raise our hands in surrender.
Quo vadis, Philippines?
