SAN JOSE, Antique – The Provincial Board has approved in second reading the measure that would promote the right of the pubic to access information in Antique.
“The proposed FOI (freedom of information) ordinance is in adherence to the Executive Order (EO) No. 2 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed on July 23, 2016,” said Board member Egidio Elio, who authored the local measure.
Elio said the EO encourages local government units to observe the FOI’s mandate.
“If we have the FOI ordinance approved, the requesting public could be assisted for their needed information,” Elio added.
The provincial information officer (PIO) was designated as the FOI focal person tasked to oversee the implementation of the ordinance if passed.
Acting PIO Galileo Magbanua said he accepts the task as the FOI focal person for the provincial government.
“We are willing to facilitate the information being requested,” said Magbanua.
The PIO has already identified personnel in the different departments who are willing to assist,” Magbanua added.
The Board will deliberate the third and final reading of the FOI Ordinance on Thursday next week, March 14. (With PNA/PN)
