Tito Sotto files bill seeking full public disclosure of gov’t. records, transactions

Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed a measure seeking to implement a policy for full public disclosure of government records and transactions concerning public interest.

The proposed “People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025” aims to recognize the right to information on matters of public concern.

“Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance. To foster accountability, trust and citizen participation, our Government shall provide ready and complete access to key information to the discerning public” Sotto said in a statement on Sunday.

The proposed measure mandates the disclosure of specific information. particularly the annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of the following public servants:

• President
• Vice President
• Members of the Cabinet
• Members of Congress
• Justices of the Supreme Court
• Members of Constitutional Commissions and other constitutional offices
• Officers of the Armed Forces with General or Flag Ranks

All government agencies are also directed to upload certain information on their respective websites.

This includes, subject to monthly updates, a register of transactions, documents and records of its annual budget, monthly collections and disbursements, summary of income and expenditures, procurement plan and list, items to bid, and procurement contracts.

However, the proposed measure noted that sensitive personal information such as race, ethnicity, origin, health records, religion, political affiliations, education, and tax returns will be kept classified.

Access to information may also be denied if it compromises national security and the country’s foreign affairs, among others.

Government agencies are mandated to prepare a Freedom of Information Manual within six months from its effectivity.

Public officials who conceal, deny, destroy, alter, tamper with, or modify information will face a penalty of imprisonment of one month to six months and a fine ranging from ?10,000 to ?100,000.

“In this modern world where data is readily available online, information about government transactions, processes and actions shall likewise be accessible to our countrymen as a matter of right,” Sotto said.

Members of the Liberal Party (LP) in the House of Representatives had also refiled the FOI bill, which mandates the disclosure of SALN of the country's president, vice president, and other high-ranking government officials. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News