Guingona: Failure to keep public informed must merit jail term

BUTUAN CITY – Recognizing the right of information as a basic constitutional right of an empowered, responsible citizenry, Senator Teofisto Guingona III said government personnel who refuse to provide information upon valid requests from citizens must be jailed. The administration senator was invited as keynote speaker, together with House Deputy Speaker Wigberto Tañada III, in the 17th Caraga Business Conference held in Butuan City on Aug. 3-5. “Of course there are exceptions like matters of national security [and] anti-criminal activities – like government law enforcement agencies pursuing kidnappers and criminals – that will be detrimental to public safety," Guingona said. After delivering his speech, Guingona told GMA News Online that he is pushing for the enactment of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill to reveal to the public any secret government transactions that could be sources of corruption and hold responsible those culprits pocketing taxpayers’ money. “While at present getting information at government offices already is a constitutional right, in reality it is not," he said. “You are reporter but you know if you go to national government offices the attitude when you ask information is they will ask, ‘Bakit sino ka ba?’ The basic presumption under FOI is that government personnel who will not give access to information, or the information itself is preso [or restricted]." “There must be penal provision for those who suppress public information because, if you will not do that, who will compel government agencies to give ordinary Juan dela Cruz his requested information especially if it is valid and worthy?" Guingona pointed out. “FOI takes out secrets in government. When you have secrets in government it gives room for corruption. An empowered citizenry is… properly informed," he added. On needed electoral reforms in the country, Guingona pushed for an all-out education and information campaign so that people will know the processes or how elections are conducted in the country. If Filipino voters are taught how to catch manipulation, fraud, and cheating in polling precincts, then the voters themselves will be the ones who will guard the sanctity of their ballots and be vigilant against any malfeasance during election time, Guingona said. He added that needed electoral reforms in the country will only succeed if culprits, manipulators and cheaters are jailed or imprisoned. “People will never believe that the government is determined to stop electoral fraud in this country if no one is jailed or prosecuted," Guingona said. — Ben Serrano/MRT/VS, GMA News