Friday, June 4, 2010

14th Congress shackles Freedom of Information Bill (HB 3732)

Because of the House's failure to ratify the bill, the credibility of Nograles and the 14th Congress was effectively buried, said Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism executive director Malou Mangahas.

It's ironic that the very people who were supposed to protect its citizens couldn't even pass a simple measure that will ensure that every Juan and Maria will get access to right, accurate, and unadulterated information when they need it as they need it. When they did their sine die or closing of the congress, didn't they think that they would need the help of this bill in the future? It's information that you and I need and this will help everyone.

It's ironic that House Bill 3732 had 180 sponsors (congressmen) when it was tabled in the congress halls. When it was time to ratify it only 128 showed up. What happened to the fifty-two other congressmen who were supposed to ratify the bill. Did they get bribed? Did MalacaƱang offered another deal before the president steps down this month? Whatever happened, it can only be concluded that our congressmen are proving the world right that Filipinos don't know how to vote their congressmen and we're just being toyed by them.

The Senate passed it's own measure four months ago with Senate Bill 3308. Until then, we will just have to wait.

Posted via web from Bad Politics

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