PBBM supports int'l community on right to information
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Published Jun 19, 2023 05:08 am
Expressing his solidarity with the international community in advocating for people’s right to information, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 19, vowed to fight the proliferation of fake news in the country and strengthen the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) formally opens the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as keynote speaker on Monday, June 19, 2023. (PCO photo)
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment “to champion this basic human right.”
“It (right to information) remains indelibly etched in our fundamental law,” Marcos said.
“We value its potency to empower our people to make informed decisions to participate fully in our democratic processes, and hold their representatives accountable without fear or apprehension,” he added.
As one of the government’s initiatives, Marcos promised to uphold the FOI to fight misinformation and disinformation in the country.
“Like everyone here, we too recognize as a matter of principle that fake news should have no place in modern society,” he said.
“As part of our efforts, we will undertake a massive Media and Information Literacy Campaign, which shall be digital, multi-media, and youth-oriented.”
While lauding the ICIC’s efforts in advancing people’s rights to access information, the Chief Executive called on all branches of government to uphold the FOI.
“I reiterate our call not only to the executive branch, but to all branches of government, to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness,” Marcos stressed.
“Undeniably, this is to our best interest as a nation. It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he added.
The Philippines’ continued promotion of the FOI through a whole-of-nation approach is part of its commitment to supporting the ICIC’s mission.
Marcos assured the organization of his administration’s continued contribution to pushing for right to information, and enumerated the government’s initiatives under the FOI program.
The E-Governance initiative and the enactment of the E-Governance Law would leverage technology and digital platforms in serving the people.
Having first met in 2003, the ICIC has met every year since then “to foster the protection and the promotion of access to public information as a fundamental pillar to social, economic and democratic governance.”
The Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to host the conference, following Mexico (2005 and 2022), South Africa (2004 and 2019), United Kingdom (2017 and 2006), Chile (2015), Germany (2013 and 2003), Canada (2011), Norway (2009), and New Zealand (2007).
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) formally opens the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as keynote speaker on Monday, June 19, 2023. (PCO photo)
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment “to champion this basic human right.”
“It (right to information) remains indelibly etched in our fundamental law,” Marcos said.
“We value its potency to empower our people to make informed decisions to participate fully in our democratic processes, and hold their representatives accountable without fear or apprehension,” he added.
As one of the government’s initiatives, Marcos promised to uphold the FOI to fight misinformation and disinformation in the country.
“Like everyone here, we too recognize as a matter of principle that fake news should have no place in modern society,” he said.
“As part of our efforts, we will undertake a massive Media and Information Literacy Campaign, which shall be digital, multi-media, and youth-oriented.”
While lauding the ICIC’s efforts in advancing people’s rights to access information, the Chief Executive called on all branches of government to uphold the FOI.
“I reiterate our call not only to the executive branch, but to all branches of government, to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness,” Marcos stressed.
“Undeniably, this is to our best interest as a nation. It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he added.
The Philippines’ continued promotion of the FOI through a whole-of-nation approach is part of its commitment to supporting the ICIC’s mission.
Marcos assured the organization of his administration’s continued contribution to pushing for right to information, and enumerated the government’s initiatives under the FOI program.
The E-Governance initiative and the enactment of the E-Governance Law would leverage technology and digital platforms in serving the people.
Having first met in 2003, the ICIC has met every year since then “to foster the protection and the promotion of access to public information as a fundamental pillar to social, economic and democratic governance.”
The Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to host the conference, following Mexico (2005 and 2022), South Africa (2004 and 2019), United Kingdom (2017 and 2006), Chile (2015), Germany (2013 and 2003), Canada (2011), Norway (2009), and New Zealand (2007).