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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Iloilo City Freedom of Information ordinance hurdles first reading

Iloilo City Freedom of Information ordinance hurdles first reading

Published Oct 17, 2025 02:31 pm
THE Iloilo City Hall and Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog. (Tara Yap/Office of Councilor Mabilog)
THE Iloilo City Hall and Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog. (Tara Yap/Office of Councilor Mabilog)
ILOILO CITY – A proposal seeking to make public records of the Iloilo City Hall accessible to the people has gained traction.
The Iloilo City Council passed on first reading this week the proposed Iloilo City Freedom of Information ordinance that aims to give the right to access information and establish a mechanism for the disclosure of public records.
“This is for every Ilonggo who is tired of a government full of secrets. (There should be) no secrets,” said author Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog.
The Iloilo City government under the administrations of Mayor Raisa Treñas and her father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas, have barred access to public documents, especially to members of the media.
The proposal came as several infrastructure projects funded by the Iloilo City government are facing scrutiny for alleged overpricing.
Mabilog noted that Ilonggos have the right to know as these projects are funded by taxpayers and not by politicians.
She proposed that the public can access documents without the need to request.
It includes the proactive release of annual budgets and financial statements; annual procurement plans, bidding documents, and awarded contracts; development and investment plans, zoning ordinances, and project status reports; audit reports and compliance findings; full disclosure of public funds, grants, and donations received; directory of officials, organizational structure, and plantilla positions, and citizen's charter.
The proposal coincided with the memorandum of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla that restored public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of government officials following flood control controversies.

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FOI Iloilo City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog Freedom of Information
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