Lawmaker to refile FOI bill

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker is refiling the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in the 15th Congress, promising that it will be passed.

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, spokesman of the Liberal Party (LP), said the passage of the bill has been long overdue because concerned parties have already been consulted.

“This bill is the very enabling law that the Constitution so mandated legislature to provide more than 20 years ago. I see no reason for any delay in the passage of this measure,” he said.

The FOI bill passed the bicameral conference committee but failed to be passed on the final session day of the 14th Congress because of a supposed lack of quorum.