PNoy: FOI bill coming soon

President Benigno Aquino III said Friday that his administration will soon present its proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill after carefully weighing the related "right to know" and secrecy issues. "We are very close to suggesting a bill that balances the concerns of so many stakeholders and that will truly empower our citizenry towards forming informed decisions, consistent with the Constitution," Aquino said in his speech at the 25th anniversary of The Philippine Star Thursday night. The bill will give the media "greater access to all kinds of sensitive information" according to Aquino. "It is incumbent on you to use this access carefully and responsibly," he said. President Aquino stressed that the public’s right to know carries with it responsibilities to use the information available in context and present facts fairly. He also urged the media to be conscious of some sectors who may want to use information, not to inform, but to inflame, public opinion. "I simply want to give you a gentle reminder. I believe that media can continue strengthening its partnership with the people and with government to elevate the level of public discourse," he said. Aquino clarified that when he says "partnership" he does not mean that media will be lap dogs of government. He also said the media should not allow itself to be used as attack dogs either. "Media’s ultimate role is to be a watchdog and I believe this is the balance we want to strike," the President said. Media organizations have criticized the Aquino administration for not including the FOI bill in its priority legislative agenda. — Amita Legaspi/ELR/RSJ, GMA News