Noy urged: Certify FOI bill as urgent

MANILA, Philippines - Advocates of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill urged yesterday President Aquino to certify the measure as urgent to expedite its approval.

“Given that time is running out in the 15th Congress, we appeal to the Senate and House leadership, as well as to the executive, to accord its passage the urgency it deserves,” the group called Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition said.

“It is within their powers to pass the FOI bill in the 15th Congress despite the time constraint,” it said.

The group also urged Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House of committee on public information, to submit to plenary the committee report today.

The coalition demanded the House leadership to include the FOI bill in the order of business beginning this week.