Check this out...

[Rhia]

Hello!

I've already asked my Prof about our advocacy. He told me that there are 2 pending bills in the Congress. Though he did not specify, I think these are the bills of Cong's. Angara and Villanueva.

And also, you might want to take a look on this site. http://www.aer.ph/. They are the main advocates of FOIA in the House. Affiliated din sila ng FOIA Global network. Just browse the site and you'll find it very interesting. He also suggested to contact Atty. Nepo Malalauan.

Thanks!

[Pippo B]

Hey great link Rhia! Atty Malaluan seems to be the go-to guy. Will try to track down his email address and send him an email asking how we can contribute.

Here's the executive summary of the forum AER.ph held last year on Freedom of Information.

While looking for info on Malaluan, I also found this article from the Daily PCIJ with a great roundup of various groups seeking a freedom of information bill.

It seems to me the order of the day for us is to link up with the main groups trying get this passed.

[Pippo B]

Here's one such possible group:

Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN)

They describe themselves as "a coalition of multi-sectoral organizations, which seeks to contribute significantly to the reduction of corruption in the Philippines. It catalyzes and advances a comprehensive and multi-sectoral transparency and accountability strategy..."

[Pippo B]

Here's Atty. Malaluan's reply:

date Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 10:41 PM
subject Re: Petition for Philippine Access to Information Law

Dear Pippo,

(1) Tomorrow (30 April), at 4 pm, Rep Tanada will defend the bill in the House plenary, which should be the last stage of the passage of the bill in the Lower House. It's short notice, but we encourage you to attend the House plenary tomorrow.
(2) The battle will be longer and more difficult at the Senate, and you can coordinate with us on the campaign for the bill's passage in the Senate.
(3) Your group may want to discuss whether you would want to join the Access to Information Network -- we can then meet regarding the process for that.

Nepo

[Rhia]

Hi!

I am sorry I cannot attend the plenary. But I hope some of the members can. It would be an opportunity for us especially if someone meets Atty. Nepo. Team RP would be recognized and easily identified with these groups.

Also, it's good to know that the bill is heading to the Senate. But I beg to disagree with Atty. Nepo. I think the process would be easy in the Senate as compared to the House. There are many Senators who are receptive to this. And we are lucky to have the Senate President backing this bill.

It would be best if we are going to meet personally to discuss our inclusion to ATIN and plans for our group.

Godspeed!