More solons agree to an FOI template

Several solons have agreed to adopt the previous consolidated committee version of the Freedom of Information Bill as the template for the refiled measure in the 16th Congress.
 
Ifugao lone district Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. revealed that “at least 60 percent” of all FOI authors have expressed support “in principle” for using the 15th Congress’ consolidated committee version of the bill as template.
 
There are currently 26 versions of the pro-transparency measure pending in the House.

“There are 26 separate bills filed so that means we have to talk to 26 people one by one,” Baguilat said, referring to a group of solons pushing for the measure aggressively.

Baguilat also expressed optimism that the other authors could be convinced to agree to the FOI template.
 
“The group is expanding. Cong. [Winston] Castelo [Quezon City 2nd district] recently joined us and he said he would be talking to the other FOI authors,” Baguilat said.
 
The solon noted that adopting the previous committee version as a template would hasten the proceedings of passing the controversial measure in the current congress.
 
“Halos magkakaparehas rin yung na-file na FOI kasi,” said Baguilat, therefore making it easier to reconcile the measure into a single version.

Baguilat and a couple of other solons have also pushed strongly for the Public Information Committee’s Technical Working Group to meet earlier than the committee’s first regular meeting on November 26. By then, Baguilat hopes to have a consolidated version of the bill to present. — BM, GMA News