Jessa Maureen M.

Carolino 2012 59026 Professor Benjamin Mangubat PI 100 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal An Argumentative Essay on the implementation of the Freedom of Information Bill We may never be deceived again! The Freedom of Information Bill has passed the senate, particularly the committee on public information headed by newly-elected Senator Grace Poe. However, some people believe that there is no need for this bill to become a law since the Aquino administration has been very generous on sharing its every operation and action. People against the Freedom of Information Bill have stated that implementation would be senseless since the Aquino administration has decided to be transparent and open to the public. But what these critics are missing is that the FOI Bill has a lot more to offer than just basic information and announcements, but also documents that the public will soon have the right to demand and see. Those who are against the bill are also missing the point of the public having the privilege to access information that most government officials and agencies avoid to administer. Also included in the bill are basic information on record-keeping, the mandatory disclosure of a number of documents of high public interest, and the specification of sanctions for violations. Thus, the Freedom of Information Bill is much more than the administration and government being transparent and open to the public. Redundancy is also not an issue for public information and more access to government records are what all of us want and deserve to have. Sources: Ager, M. (2013, September 18). Senate panels approve FOI bill | Inquirer News. Inquirer News | Latest Philippine News for Filipinos. Retrieved September 24, 2013, from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/490027/senate-panel-hopes-to-pass-foi-bill-by-wednesday Malaluan, N. (2012, August 2). Who are against the FOI bill?. News | Multimedia | Citizen Journalism | Social Media - RAPPLER. Retrieved September 24, 2013, from http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/9713-who-are-against-the-foi-bill