Press Release
May 24, 2010
Right to Know. Right Now! Campaign
The Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to advance the resumption of its session to 24 May 2010, Monday, instead of its original schedule of 31 May.
When the House of Representatives convenes on this day, we, representatives of over 100 organizations and coalitions comprising public-interest groups, environmental protection advocates, independent media groups, print and broadcast journalists, farmers organizations and support groups, women’s organizations, private and public sector labor unions, migrant workers, businessmen, academic institutions, and student and youth organizations, call on Speaker Prospero Nograles and all members of the House of Representatives to perform two historically significant acts in the country’s public life. First, ratify the bicameral conference committee report on the Freedom of Information Act, and second, proceed to adopt the resolution to hold a joint session for the presidential and vice presidential canvass of votes.
The first act will fulfill the long overdue constitutional duty of Congress to provide the law that will secure for the nation the full functioning of our constitutional right to information, and the duty of the state to implement a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.
After the long and arduous legislative process, from the first reading, committee hearings, approval on second and third readings in each chamber, and the reconciliation of the House and Senate version by a bicameral conference committee, the ratification will be the final step needed before the act can be transmitted to President Arroyo for her signature.
There is no reason why the ratification cannot be done on May 24. The Rules of the House of Representatives in fact call for it. Rule X, Section 61 states: “(T)he consideration of conference committee reports shall always be in order, except when the Journal is being read, while the roll is being called, or the House is dividing on any question.”
The reason for the highly privileged status of a bicameral conference committee report is simple: it settles the differences of the two chambers and perfects legislation as far as Congress can. A Bicameral Conference Committee Report, in gist, is the legislative business at its nearest completion. It is entitled to priority over other businesses of Congress in an earlier stage. This becomes even more compelling as the Senate has already done its part by ratifying the conference report before session adjourned last February.
Not only do the Constitutional duty and the House Rules require immediate ratification on May 24, it is also a moral commitment of the leadership and members of the House of Representatives. The passage of the bill is in the legislative agenda of Speaker Nograles. The bill passed by the House on third reading as early as May 2008 bears the authorship of no less than 181 members. Also, the bicameral conference committee report was unanimously approved and signed by all eight members of the House contingent. (See attached list of bill authors and members of the House panel in the bicameral conference committee.)
The consideration of the conference report on the FOI bill for ratification will by no means hold up or delay the other agenda of canvassing. If Speaker Nograles allows it, it will not take five minutes to put and second the motion to ratify, and for the voting to proceed. The adoption of the resolution to hold a joint session for the presidential and vice presidential canvass of votes can then immediately follow.
The two measures are in fact inextricably linked. The canvass of votes for the President and the Vice President is the first election in years whose results enjoy wide acceptance. What should not be missed is that contributing substantially to the perception that the 2010 elections succeeded in overcoming the trademark features of previous elections is the relatively free flow of information to the media and consequently to the public.
By ratifying the FOI Act and promptly transmitting it to the Office of the President, and by presiding, jointly with the Senate, in an orderly and transparent canvass of votes, the House of Representatives will have given the Filipino people the gift of a credible transition of leadership, and the empowering right of access to information. This will provide a strong foundation for the political, social and economic renewal of the country.
In sum, there is no impediment to ratifying the FOI Act on May 24. We leave behind the events in the House of Representatives in the final days of session last February. We look to the leadership of Speaker Nograles, the champions of FOI and all members of the House of Representatives, to pull through for the Filipino people, and leave a legacy that will benefit our generation, and the generations to come.
Right to know. Right now!
1. Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III-4th District, Quezon Province
2. Rep. Joel Villanueva-Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
3. Rep. Del De Guzman-2nd District, Marikina City
4. Rep. Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel-Akbayan
5. Rep. Walden Bello-Akbayan
6. Rep. Chona Gonzales- Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
7. Bishop Broderick Pabillo-Auxillary Bishop, Manila;
National Director of CBCP
National Secretariat for Social Action –
Justice & Peace (NASSA-JP)
8. Mr. Vincent T. Lazatin-Transparency and Accountability Network
9. Ms. Malou Mangahas-Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism (PCIJ)
10. Dr. Wilfrido V. Villacorta-Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission
Author of Right to Information on
Matters of Public Concern (Art.III,
Sec.7, 1987 Constitution)
11. Dr. Florangel Rosario – Braid Member
1986 Constitutional Commission and
Chair,Communication
UNESCO National Commission of the
Philippines
12. Ms. Adelina Alvarez-Center for Community Journalism and
Development
13. Atty. Roberto Cadiz-LIBERTAS
14. Prof. Luis Teodoro-Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
15. Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez-Focus on the Global South
– Philippines Programme
16. Mr. Sonny Fernandez-National Union of Journalists of the
Philippines
17. Mr. Nestor Burgos-National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
18. Ms. Rowena Paraan-National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
19. Mr. Alberto Lim-Makati Business Club
20. Mr. Joshua Mata-Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
21. Ms. Yuen Abana-Partido ng Mangagawa
22. Ms. Precy Bellomes-Makabayan
23. Mr. Teody Navea-Bukluran ng Mangagawang Pilipino (BMP)
24. Ms. Judy Pasimio- Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center –
Kasama sa Kalikasan
25. Ms. Maria Lisa Alano-Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao
(AFRIM), Inc.
26. Dean Antonio La Viña-Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)
27. Dr. Sixto K. Roxas -Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable
Development
28. Mr. Isagani Serrano-Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
29. Mr. Joseph Purugganan-EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network-
Philippines; Stop theNew Round Coalition
30. Mr. Al Alegre-Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)
31. Ms. Annie Geron-Public Services Labor Independent
Confederation (PSLINK)
32. Prof. Leonor M. Briones-Social Watch Philippines
33. Dr. Rene Ofreneo-Center for Labor Justice
34. Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III-National College of Public Admistration
and Governance
35. Atty. Tanya Lat-IDEALS
36. Mr. Raul Socrates Banzuela-PAKISAMA
37. Chester Amparo-Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)
38. Mr. Pete Pinlac-Mangagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan
(MAKABAYAN)
39. Mr. Ramon Tuazon-Philippines Communication Society
40. Ms. Mae V. Buenaventura-Women’s Legal Bureau, Inc.
41. Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo-WomanHealth Philippines
42. Ms. Mercedes Fabros-WomanHealth Philippines
43. Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet-CODE-NGO
44. Mr. Jun S. Aguilar-Filipino Migrant Workers
45. Mr. Pablo Rosales-Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda
(PANGISDA);
Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang
Magbubukid (PKMM)
46. Mr. Crispino Aguelo-Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang
Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)
47. Ms. Karen Tañada -Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute
48. Atty.Eirene Jhone E. Aguila-Team RP
49. Prof. Gigi Francisco-Development Alternatives for Women in the
New Era (DAWN)
50. Mr. Byron Abadeza-Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in
East Asia and the Pacific
51. Mr. Abby Y. Pato-Task Force on Food Sovereignty Mindanao
52. Ms. Carolyn Arguillas-MindaNews
53. Mr. Abner Francisco-DXCA – FM
54. Mr. Rey Hulog-Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas
55. Mr. Jose Pavia-Philippine Press Institute
56. Ms. Angelica Simone Mangahas-Ateneo Debate Society
57. Mr. Bartholome Guingona-pagbabago@pilipinas
58. Atty. Virginia S. Jose-Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
59. Ms. Ellene Sana-Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)
60. Ms. Ester Perez Tagle-Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP)
61. Ms. Luz Malihiran- Community Organizers Multiversity
62. Mr. Milo Tanchuling-Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
63. Mr. Jude Esguerra -Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
64. Mr. Doy Cinco-Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
65. Mr. Ric Serrano-La Liga Policy Institute
66. Mr. Rey Rasing-Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN)
67. Atty. Farah Marie Decano-Lady Local Legislators’ League of the
Philippines, Inc.
68. Mr. Raymond Marvic Baguilat UP Law Student Government
69. Mr. Ed Mora-Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas
70. Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr.-Siliman University – ASPAP
71. Ms. Evi-Ta Jimenez-Center for People Empowerment in
Governance
72. Mr. Ben-Hur Sacopla-Southern Luzon State University ASPAP –
Region IV
73. Dr. Buenaventura B. Dargantes-Program on Integrated Water
Resources
74. Mr. Boy Nuera-Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas
(PANDAYAN)
75. Mr. Roy Calfoforo-People’s Alternative Studies Center for
Research and Education in Social Develoment
(PASCRES)
76. Mr. Alain Pascua-Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Filipino
Democratic Movement (KAAKBAY)
77. Mr. Reggie Guillen-GCAP-Phils
78. Mr. Horacio T. Cadiz-The Philippine Network Foundation, Inc
(PHNET)
79. Mr. Joe Valencia-KASAPI-HELLAS
80. Mr. Nestor Villanueva-Akbayan Greece
81. Ms. Mardi Mapa-Suplido-Negros Peace Watch
82. Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran-Philippines Communication Society
83. Ms. Aurora Regalado-Management Organization for Development
and Empowerment, Inc.
84. Mr. Ernesto Lim Jr.-People’s Campaign on Agrarian Reform
(AR NOW!)
85. Mr. Anthony Marzan-KAISAHAN
86. Mr. Nonoy Oplas- Minimal Government Thinkers
87. Mr. Jesus Vicente Garganera-Alyansa Tigil Mina
88. Ms. Luz Cabucos-Fegarido-RSW
89. Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Tison-Paghiliusa sa Paghidaet-Negros (PsPN)
90. Ms. Trinidad Domingo-Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa
Kanayunan
91. Mr. Richard Gutierrez-Ban Toxics
92. Mr. Harvey Keh-Kaya Natin! Movement
93. Mr. Czarina Sacaguing-Confederation of Student Government in
the Philippines
94. Dr. Ma. Olivia Domingo-Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy, UP-NCPAG
95. Dr. Angelo Ramos-Philippine Community e-Center Network
96. Ms. Mae Sabio-Sulong CARPER
97. Mr. Diosdado Calmada-PEACE
98. Ms. Lanie Factor- Task Force Mapalad
99. Ms. Maris Dela Cruz – Cardenas-EmPOWER Consumers
100. Atty. Elpidio Peria-Third World Network; Vice Chairman, Social
Concerns Committee, IBP South Cotabato –
General Santos City
101. Mr. Obet Pagdanganan- Coalition for Health Advocacy and
Transparency (CHAT)
102. Mr. Omi Royandoyan-Centro Saka
103. Ms. Florencia Casanova-Dorotan Women’s Action Network for
Development
104. Ms. Violeta Corral-Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan
105. Ms. Michelle Domocol-Visayas Climate Action Network
106. Judge Dolores L. Español (Ret.)-Transparency International –
Philippines
107. Mr. Roby Alampay-Southeast Asian Press Alliance
108. Ms. Teresita Quintos Deles-International Center on Innovation,
Transformation and Excellence in
Governance (INCITEGov)
109. Ms. Maita Gomez-Bantay Kita
110. College Editors Guild of the Philippines
111. Ms. Emy M. Santos-National Confederation of Cooperatives
(NATCCO)
112. Ms. Tes M. Borgoños-Manggagawang Kababaihang Mithi ay
Paglaya (MAKALAYA)
113. Ms. Marilyn Fuentes-National Union of Building and Construction
Workers (NUBCW)
114. Atty. Michael Yu- Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cebu City
Chapter
115. Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio-Center for Women’s Studies,
University of the Philippines
116. Mr. Viktor Samuel Fontanilla- UP ALYANSA
117. Ms. Anna Luz Lopez-UP BUKLOD CSSP
118. Mr. Jeffrey Crisostomo-AKBAYAN Youth – UP Diliman
119. Ms. Susan Ople-Blas Ople Foundation
120. Mr. Romeo Cabugnasan-Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
121. Mr. Gus Miclat-Initiative for International Dialogue
122. Mr. Antonio Claparols-Ecological Society of the Philippines
123. Mr. Javier Claparols-Ecological Society of the Philippines
124. Dr. Helen N. Mendoza-Soljuspax
125. Dr. Mario Joyo Aguja-Mindanao State University System Faculty Federation
126. Ms. Maria Rita Melecio- Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Davao
127. Mr. Juanito Enriquez Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace
128. Ms. Edeliza Hernandez Medical Action Group
129. Ms. Laudica Casana Anda Rural Women Workers Alliance for Progress
130. Ms. Flordeliz Abanto Philippine Association of Communication Educators Foundation, Inc. (PACE)
131. Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan Action for Economic Reforms (AER)
Annex “1”
Authors of House Bill 3732
HB 3732 has a total of 181 members of the House of Representatives listed as authors. These are Representatives ANGARA, DEL MAR, VILLANUEVA, CRUZ-GONZALES, ABAYA, TALIÑO-MENDOZA, TAÑADA, DE GUZMAN, GONZALES (A.), OCAMPO, CASIÑO, PABLO, HONTIVEROS-BARAQUEL, COQUILLA, FUA, TEODORO, CHATTO, MAZA, BELTRAN, ILAGAN, ABANTE, CODILLA, DAZA, ALCALA, BIAZON, UMALI (A.), CUA (J.), UY (R.A.), DEL ROSARIO, PINGOY, LAGMAN, OLAÑO, CAJAYON, JOSON, SOON-RUIZ, GARAY, SANDOVAL, MANDANAS, HATAMAN, ABLAN, AGBAYANI, AGGABAO, AGYAO, ALFELOR, ALMARIO, ALVAREZ (A.), AMATONG, ANGPING, APOSTOL, AQUINO, ARAGO, ARENAS, ARNAIZ, ARROYO (D.), ARROYO (I.), ASILO, BAGATSING, BALINDONG, BARZAGA, BINAY, BIRON, BONDOC, BONOAN-DAVID, BRIONES, BULUT, CABILAO, CAGAS, CASTELO DAZA, CASTRO, CAYETANO, CELESTE, CERILLES, CHIPECO, CHONG, CLARETE, CLIMACO, COSCOLLUELA, CRISOLOGO, CUA (G.), CUENCO, DATUMANONG, DEFENSOR (A.), DEFENSOR (M.), DIAZ, DILANGALEN, DIMAPORO, DOMOGAN, DUAVIT, DUMARPA, DURANO, DY, ENVERGA, ESCUDERO, ESTRELLA (C.), FABIAN, FERNANDEZ, FERRER, FUENTEBELLA, GARCIA (A.), GARCIA (P.), GARCIA (V.), GARIN, GATCHALIAN, GATLABAYAN, GO, GOLEZ, GONZALES (N.), GONZALEZ, GULLAS, GUNIGUNDO, HOFER, JAAFAR, JALA, JAVIER, JIKIRI, KHO, LACSON, LAGDAMEO, LAPUS, LIM, LOPEZ, MADRONA, MAGSAYSAY, MAMBA, MANGUDADATU, MARAÑON, MARCOS, MATUGAS, MERCADO, MITRA, NAVA, NICOLAS, NOEL, NOGRALES, ONG, ORTEGA, PADILLA, PANCHO, PANCRUDO, PICHAY, PIÑOL, PLAZA, PRIETO-TEODORO, PUNO, RAMIRO, REMULLA, REYES (V.), ROBES, RODRIGUEZ, RODRIGUEZ-ZALDARRIAGA, ROMAN, ROMARATE, ROMUALDEZ, ROMULO, SALVACION, SANTIAGO (J.), SANTIAGO (N.), SILVERIO, SINGSON (E.), SINGSON (R.), SUAREZ, SUSANO, SY-LIMKAICHONG, TEVES, TIENG, TUPAS, UNGAB, UY (E.), UY (R.S.), VARGAS, VELARDE, VILLAFUERTE, VILLAROSA, VINZONS-CHATO, VIOLAGO, YAP, YU, ZAMORA (M.), ZAMORA (R.), ZIALCITA AND ZUBIRI.
The Bicameral Conference Committee Report was approved and signed by all eight members of the House Panel. These are Representatives Bienvenido M. Abante (Chairman), Eduardo C. Zialcita, Lorenzon Tañada III, Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Rodolfo W. Antonino, Rodante D. Marcoleta,Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, and Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales.
