Senator Robin Padilla said the Senate has revived Senate Bill No. 1432, or the People’s Freedom of Information Act, during its 56th session, bringing the long-delayed measure back to the plenary for debate. The bill is now under second reading, where senators review, question, and introduce amendments before it can move toward approval.
In a post, Padilla said Senator Kiko Pangilinan joined the interpellation to help examine and refine the proposal. “Kasama ang ating kagalang-galang na kasamahan na si Senator Kiko Pangilinan, sumailalim tayo sa interpellation upang lalong pakinisin ang panukalang ito,” Padilla said.
Padilla said the Senate accepted key amendments, including stronger rules on mandatory disclosures and the use of digital dashboards that would allow the public to access government data more quickly. He also emphasized safeguards to protect personal and sensitive information as access expands.
The bill seeks to enforce the constitutional right of Filipinos to information by requiring government agencies to release records such as budgets, spending, procurement plans, and contracts. It applies to national agencies, local governments, and state institutions, and requires offices to explain any denial of access.
Pangilinan, one of the bill’s authors, said the measure is meant to strengthen transparency and accountability. The proposal also includes penalties for officials who conceal, delay, or misuse public records.
If passed, the FOI bill would give ordinary Filipinos clearer visibility into how public funds are spent and how decisions are made in government. It would also create a formal system for requesting information, making it easier for citizens, media, and watchdog groups to monitor public officials. The bill has been filed in several past Congresses but has yet to be enacted into law.
