'It will only take two minutes to pass The Freedom of Information Act'

GMANews.TV's statement on the Freedom of Information Act pending in Congress: Time is running out for the 14th Congress to pass the Freedom of Information Act, which will go a long way in ensuring the right to information of every Filipino. In the past 14 years, various sectors of Philippine society have worked rigorously for the passage of this landmark piece of legislation. Now in its final stage, the Act is in danger of being left for dead by lawmakers preoccupied by other matters. By most estimates, it will only take two minutes for the House of Representatives to ratify legislation that has been championed by the majority of its members, including House Speaker Prospero Nograles. By creating greater transparency, the Freedom of Information Act will become a vital instrument in citizen efforts to hold public officials accountable and push for good governance. It will also send a signal to the international community that the Philippines has reached a level of political maturity at par with other countries that have enacted similar legislation as part of their democratic institutions. GMANews.TV adds its humble voice to those of colleagues in the media and civil society who have long been clamoring for a Freedom of Information Act. Members of the House cannot miss this opportunity to pass this law, one of the most important legacies that the 14th Congress can bequeath its constituents as the country turns a new leaf in June 2010. - GMANews.TV