Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday called for a review of the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 2 on Freedom of Information (FOI) to address persistent challenges in accessing government data and communicating critical issues effectively to the public.
Speaking at a meet-and-greet with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) station managers on November 27, 2024, Cayetano proposed filing a resolution to assess and enhance the EO on FOI.
This after the station managers noted to the senator that despite the enactment of FOI, it was still difficult to compel transparency from government offices.
In response, Cayetano emphasized the need to revisit the FOI EO.
“I’ll file a resolution. Since Ate Pia (Senator Pia Cayetano) is the chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, let’s look into the implementation of the law.”
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is responsible for investigating accountability in government and ensuring that laws and executive orders are properly implemented.
Cayetano added that reviewing the FOI EO under this committee would strengthen efforts to promote transparency, good governance, and public trust.
In his message to the media, the senator acknowledged that while the FOI EO signed during the Duterte administration was a step forward, it still has significant gaps in implementation.
He also noted how changes in journalism have impacted efforts to ensure government transparency.
“Dati pag may scoop ka, you are rewarded. Ngayon, kahit may scoop ka, kung hindi napansin ng tao [bale wala rin]. You have to lay the basis one brick at a time,” he said.
The senator also emphasized how the rise of platforms like TikTok and the shorter attention spans of today’s audience make it more challenging to convey complex issues.
“Nowadays, ang attention span kagaya sa TikTok, fifteen seconds, thirty seconds. Right now it’s all elevator pitch,” he said.
As an advocate for good governance and the fight against corruption, Cayetano has long supported the FOI Bill. While the Senate passed it during the 14th and 15th Congress, it did not pass in the House of Representatives.
Cayetano believes an effective FOI system can lead to a more efficient and accountable government.
Back to values
Amid the current political division, Cayetano said addressing moral values is more important than implementing political reforms.
The senator also called for a national consensus on moral standards to serve as a foundation for reforms.
“For me, it goes back to values talaga. Dati, it was absolute, pero relative na ang values and morals ngayon and this affects our identity as politicians, as a government, and as Filipinos,” he said.
