Tañada to lead public forum on FOI in Angeles City

ANGELES CITY - Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III is set to lead a public forum on the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in Barangay Balibago here on Thursday.

The forum will be held to shed light on how the bill, if enacted into law, would affect government officials, media practitioners and local stakeholders.

Balibago barangay chairman Rodelio Mamac said media practitioners, non government organizations, government leaders and church leaders have been invited to attend the event.

“This will give stakeholders enough information on the importance of the bill and its current status in the House of Representatives and the Senate. People can address their questions to the good congressman so that they can be properly enlightened,” Mamac said.

Tañada, the principal author of the bill, earlier challenged his fellow legislators to do what the Senate does and move for the immediate passage of the measure.

“It should move at the same pace that the House made former Chief Justice accountable in our impeachment complaint,” he said in a press statement, referring to convicted Chief Justice Renato Corona.

He said the bill, if enacted into law, puts in place a provision implementing the automatic disclosure of transactions of public concern as required by Section 28, Article II of the Constitution. The previous Congress failed to ratify the FOI measure due to lack of quorum.

Mamac said Tañada will also meet with local leaders in Angeles City and visit the barangay’s social hygiene facility and vermin compost garden.

He said the barangay officials will discuss with the congressman the achievements of the barangay in terms of solid waste management and local health concerns. (Ian Ocampo Flora)