San Juan City Representative JV Ejercito has seen a bleak future for the passage of the freedom of information (FOI) bill before the end of the 15th Congress. 

With only nine session days before it goes again on a break for the reelectionist candidates to campaign for the 2013 midterm polls, Ejercito, co-author of the FOI bill, doubts that it will make it in the House of Representatives.  

The reason: “the Aquino administration has been lukewarm on it,” he said. 

If the administration of President Benigno Aquino is indeed for good governance, Ejercito said that it would have been a perfect proof.

“Kasi transparency itong FOI. Any documents, transactions, everything has to be made public if the public has to ask for it,” he said.

However, Aquino, who made passage of the bill a campaign promise in 2010, has apparently not lifted a finger to certify the bill as “urgent,” which would have been a big help in clearing procedural hurdles. 

“Unfortunately, when Aquino administration took over, they were already lukewarm on this issue. Siguro, iba na talaga nang maupo sila. Baka iniisip nila, “maaapektuhan pala tayo nito.” So, that’s the reason why it is not moving because Malacañang has not really pushed for it. The Malacañang has taken it out of their priority measures, ‘yung sa wish list nila,” said Ejercito, who visited Nueva Valencia, Guimaras yesterday as per invitation of Governor Felipe Hilan Nava and other mayor.

Late of last year, Ejercito issued a statement urging Aquino to certify the FOI bill as urgent “because that’s the only way that it could still make it with only two weeks left.” 

“Kung na certify ‘yan ni President Aquino last December, it would have a chance passing. But now, I doubt it,” he said.

Also, the expected absenteeism of lawmakers next year would be a big obstacle for debates on the measure to take place.

With a 17-0 vote, the Senate approved its own version of the FOI bill before it went on break last December.

As it is, the President can only sign the FOI bill into law if both the House of Representatives and the Senate endorse a bicameral conference committee report. 

Introduced by Representative Lorenzo Tañada III, the House’s FOI Bill will provide for an expansive scope n terms of government agencies as well as information covered; a clear, uniform and speedy procedure for access to information; and a system of accessible and speedy remedies that a citizen who has been denied access to information may resort.

Also, it will provide a mandate to promote a culture of openness within the government; and a clear administrative, criminal and civil liability for violation of the right to information.*