(Open Letter)

02 February 2011

His Excellency
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
Malacañan Palace
Manila

Thru:

Hon. Edwin Lacierda

Presidential Spokesperson

Hon. Ramon A. Carandang

Secretary
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning

Hon. Herminio Coloma

Secretary
Presidential Communications Operations Office

Subject: Appeal for Inclusion of the Passage of the Freedom of

Information Act in the President’s Priority Measures for
consideration by LEDAC

Dear Mr. President:

Warm greetings!

We are members of the Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition, a network

of organizations and individuals from various sectors that have long been
campaigning for the passage of the Freedom of Information Act. We count
among our ranks public-interest groups, organizations of print and broadcast
journalists, environmental protection advocates, farmers organizations and

For communications please contact: Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan

Institute for Freedom of Information, 14th Floor West Trade Center, 132 West Avenue, Quezon City
Telefax: +63 2 426 5626 Email: nepo_m@yahoo.com
support groups, women’s organizations, private and public sector labor unions,
migrant workers, businessmen, lawyers, academics, student and youth
organizations, and concerned individuals.

We understand that your office is now preparing for the convening of the
Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), and is reviewing
a number of measures to draw up the legislative priorities that will be proposed to
LEDAC. We join the rest of the country in hopeful anticipation that the proposed
Freedom of Information Act will be on your list of priorities.

We are aware that Sec. Herminio Coloma has raised a number of

concerns on the pending Freedom of Information bills. These concerns have
been the subject of a memorandum prepared by Deputy Speaker Lorenzo R.
Tañada III, a copy of which we attach herewith. We express our substantive
agreement to the points discussed by Rep. Tañada, and signify our readiness to
discuss ways to further refine the bill. We are in fact already revisiting areas of
the bill where we think further adjustments can still be made. Specifically, we are
working to streamline the list of documents for mandatory disclosure, studying
further whether the bill can accommodate a deliberative process privilege as an
additional exception, reconsidering the periods for responding to requests for
access to information, and refining the penal provisions of the bill.

Our objective is to come up with a bill that strikes a careful and reasonable
balance between the people’s right to access information and other legitimate,
competing interests.

Even as we express openness to further refinements to the bill, we also

cannot overemphasize the necessity of a clear and decisive signal of support
from your office for this measure. Having been a legislator yourself, we are sure
that you know very well the implications of the inclusion or non-inclusion of a
measure in the LEDAC priorities on the chances of its passage.

We look to your leadership, in cooperation with Congress through the

LEDAC, to secure for the country an enabling legal environment for
transparency. We make this appeal fully aware of your appreciation of the value
of a Freedom of Information Act in promoting good governance, transparency
and accountability, and responsive government services.

Mr. President, please heed the people’s call for a Freedom of Information
Act now.

Very truly yours,

Right to Know. Right Now!

Coalition

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SIGNATORIES:

1. Bishop Broderick Pabillo Auxillary Bishop, Manila; National Director of

CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action
Justice&Peace (NASSA-JP)
2. Dr. Florangel Rosario - Braid Member, 1986 Constitutional Commission and Chair,
Communication, UNESCO National Commission of the
Philippines
3. Mr. Vincent T. Lazatin Transparency and Accountability Network
4. Ms. Malou Mangahas Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
5. Mr. Peter Angelo V. Perfecto Makati Business Club
6. Bishop Benny M. Abante, Jr. BIBLEMODE International; Chairman, Committee on
Public Information, 14th Congress
7. Ms. Adelina Alvarez Center for Community Journalism and Development
Mr. Red Batario
8. Atty. Roberto Cadiz LIBERTAS
9. Prof. Luis Teodoro Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
10. Mr. Filomeno S. Sta Ana III Action for Economic Reforms
11. Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez Focus on the Global South – Philippines
12. Ms. Rowena Paraan National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Mr. Sonny Fernandez
Mr. Nestor Burgos
13. Ms. Annie Geron Public Services Labor Independent Confederation
(PSLINK)
14. Dean Antonio La Viña Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)
15. Mr. Joshua Mata Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
16. Ms. Yuen Abana Partido ng Manggagawa
17. Ms. Precy Bellomes MAKABAYAN
18. Mr. Teody Navea Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
Mr. Gem de Guzman
19. Atty. Virginia S. Jose Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
20. Ms. Judy Pasimio Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center - Kasama sa
Kalikasan
21. Ms. Starjoan Villanueva Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM)
22. Mr. Sixto Donato Macasaet CODE-NGO
23. Mr. Isagani Serrano Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
24. Ms. Ana Maria R. Nemenzo WomanHealth Philippines
Ms. Mercedes Fabros
25. Prof. Leonor M. Briones Social Watch Philippines

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26. Dr. Rene Ofreneo Center for Labor Justice
27. Ms. Jelen Paclarin Women's Legal and Human Rights Bureau
28. Mr. Jun S. Aguilar Filipino Migrant Workers
Mr. Elso Cabangon

29. Atty. Eirene Jhone E. Aguila Team RP; Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance
Mr. Harvey Keh and Ethical Leadership
30. Ms. Teresita Ang See Citizens Action Against Crime
31. Mr. Joseph Purugganan EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network-Philippines; Stop
the New Round Coalition
32. Mr. Milo Tanchuling Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
Ms. Maitet Diokno-Pascual
33. Mr. Ted Ong Freedom from Debt Coalition - Iloilo
34. Dr. Sixto K. Roxas Maximo T. Kalaw Institute for Sustainable
Development
35. Judge Dolores L. Español (Ret.) Transparency International – Philippines
36. Mr. Al Alegre Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)
37. Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III National College of Public Administration and
Governance
38. Atty. Tanya Lat IDEALS
39. Mr. Raul Socrates Banzuela PAKISAMA
40. Mr. Chester Amparo Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)
41. Mr. Lisandro Claudio Akbayan Youth
Mr. Jeffrey Crisostomo
42. Mr. Ramon Tuazon Philippines Communication Society
43. Mr. Pablo Rosales Progresibong Alyansa ng mga Mangingisda
(PANGISDA); Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang
Magbubukid (PKMM)
44. Mr. Crispino Aguelo Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka
(PAKISAMA)
45. Ms. Karen Tañada Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute
46. Prof. Gigi Francisco Development Alternatives for Women in the New Era
(DAWN)
47. Mr. Byron Abadeza Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia
and the Pacific
48. Mr. Abby Y. Pato Task Force on Food Sovereignty - Mindanao
49. Ms. Carolyn Arguillas MindaNews
50. Mr. Abner Francisco DXCA – FM
51. Mr. Rey Hulog Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas
52. Mr. Jose Pavia Philippine Press Institute
53. Ms. Angelica Simone Mangahas Ateneo Debate Society

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54. Mr. Bartholome Guingona pagbabago@pilipinas
55. Ms. Ellene Sana Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)
56. Ms. Ester Perez Tagle Concerned Citizens Against Pollution (COCAP)
57. Ms. Luz Malihiran Community Organizers Multiversity
58. Mr. Doy Cinco Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
59. Ms. Arze Glipo Integrated Rural Development Foundation
60. Mr. Ric Serrano La Liga Policy Institute
Mr. Roland Cabigas
61. Mr. Rey Rasing Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN)
62. Ms. Paulyn Duman UP Law Student Government
63. Mr. Ed Mora Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas
64. Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr. Siliman University – ASPAP
65. Ms. Evi-Ta Jimenez Center for People Empowerment in Governance
66. Mr. Ben-Hur Sacopla Southern Luzon State University ASPAP – Region IV
67. Dr. Buenaventura B. Dargantes Program on Integrated Water Resources
68. Mr. Boy Nuera Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (PANDAYAN)
69. Mr. Roy Calfoforo People's Alternative Studies Center for Research and
Education in Social Develoment (PASCRES)
70. Mr. Alain Pascua Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Filipino
Democratic Movement (KAAKBAY)
71. Mr. Reggie Guillen GCAP-Phils
72. Mr. Horacio T. Cadiz The Philippine Network Foundation, Inc (PHNET)
73. Mr. Joe Valencia KASAPI-HELLAS
74. Mr. Nestor Villanueva Akbayan Greece
75. Ms. Mardi Mapa-Suplido Negros Peace Watch
76. Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran Philippines Communication Society
77. Ms. Aurora Regalado Management Organization for Development and
Empowerment
78. Mr. Ernesto Lim Jr. People’s Campaign on Agrarian Reform (AR NOW!)
79. Mr. Anthony Marzan KAISAHAN
80. Mr. Nonoy Oplas Minimal Government Thinkers
81. Mr. Jesus Vicente Garganera Alyansa Tigil Mina
82. Ms. Luz Cabucos-Fegarido RSW
83. Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Tison Paghiliusa sa Paghidaet-Negros (PsPN)
84. Ms. Trinidad Domingo Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan
85. Mr. Richard Gutierrez Ban Toxics
86. Mr. Czarina Sacaguing Confederation of Student Government in the
Philippines

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87. Dr. Ma. Olivia Domingo Center for Leadership, Citizenship and Democracy, UP
NCPAG
88. Dr. Angelo Ramos Philippine Community e-Center Network
89. Ms. Mae Sabio Sulong CARPER
90. Mr. Diosdado Calmada PEACE
91. Ms. Lanie Factor Task Force Mapalad
92. Ms. Maris Dela Cruz - Cardenas EmPOWER Consumers
93. Atty. Elpidio Peria Third World Network; Vice Chairman, Social Concerns
Committee, IBP South Cotabato – General Santos City
94. Mr. Angelito R. Mendoza Coalition for Health Advocacy and Transparency
95. Mr. Omi Royandoyan Centro Saka
96. Ms. Florencia Casanova-Dorotan Women’s Action Network for Development
97. Ms. Violeta Corral Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan
98. Ms. Michelle Domocol Visayas Climate Action Network
99. Ms. Maita Gomez Bantay Kita
100. College Editors Guild of the Philippines
101. Ms. Emy M. Santos National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO)
102. Ms. Tes M. Borgoños Manggagawang Kababaihang Mithi ay Paglaya
(MAKALAYA)
103. Ms. Marilyn Fuentes National Union of Building and Construction Workers
104. Atty. Michael Yu Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Cebu City Chapter
105. Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio Center for Women’s Studies, University of the
Philippines
106. Ms. Tin Borja UP ALYANSA
107. Mr. JC Tejano UP BUKLOD CSSP
108. Mr. Romeo Cabugnasan Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
109. Mr. Gus Miclat Initiative for International Dialogue
110. Mr. Antonio Claparols Ecological Society of the Philippines
Mr. Javier Claparols
111. Dr. Helen N. Mendoza Soljuspax
112. Ms. Maria Rita Melecio Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Davao
113. Mr. Juanito Enriquez Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace
114. Ms. Edeliza Hernandez Medical Action Group
115. Ms. Laudica Casana Anda Rural Women Workers Alliance for Progress
116. Ms. Flordeliz Abanto Philippine Association of Communication Educators
Foundation, Inc. (PACE)
117. Ms. Victoria M. Segovia Partnership for Clean Air
118. Ms. Grace Chua Consumer Rights for Safe Food

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119. Ms. Noemi Tirona
120. Ms. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz
121. Mr. Manny C. Calonzo
122. Ms. Paula Mae B. Tanquieng
123. Ms. Annie M. Sandalo
124. Ed Caharian
125. Fr. Victor "Junvic" Diolata, Jr., SSS
Fr. Jesus Malit, SSS
Sr. Mary John Mannanzan, OSB
126. Mr. Narciso Jover Jr.
127. Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos
` Atty. Dante T. Ramos
128. Maria V. Mendoza
129. Mr. Tirso N. Paglicawan, Jr.
Mr. Dante Dean M. Barola
130. Mr. Manuel G. Rama
131. Ms. Marlene Ramirez
132. Ms. Minerva Gonzales
133. Mr. Angelito Calderon
134. Ms. Ember Cruz
135. Ms. Mary Joycer Filomeno
136. Ms. Eileen Matute
137. Mr. David Diwa
138. Mr. Angel Dimalanta
139. Mr. Ritz Lee B. Santos III
140. Ms. Lia Jasmin Esquillo
141. Mr. Nazaño Cacayan
142. Mr. Frank Meno
143. Mr. Eleuterio Tuazon
144. Mr. Ronaldo Tuazon
145. Mr. John Gamit
146. Mr. Manny Arias
147. Ms. Romina Astrid Lim
148. James Auste
149. Mr. Vince Cinches
Network Opposed to GMOs
Ang Nars
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
Ayos na Gamot sa Abot-Kayang Presyo (AGAP)
Code Foundation, Inc.
Philippine Agency for Community and Family
Association of Major Religious Superiors
of the Pilippines (AMRSP)
Tri-people Concern for Peace, Progress and
Development of Mindanao (TRICOM)
Phil. Earth Justice Center, Inc.
Fair Trade Alliance - Philippines (FairTrade)
Kapisanan ng mga Kawani ng Koreo sa Pilipinas
(KKKP); Hukuman ng Mamamayan Movement, Inc.
PhilPost Rank-and-File Employees Association
AsiaDHRRA
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Asia
Lakas Mangagawa Labor Center (LMLC)
Trade Advocates Group
Youth Advocates for Economic Progress (YAEP)
Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR)
National Labor Union
Automotive Industry Workers Alliance
Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in
Mindanaw (BALAOD Mindanaw); Amnesty International –
Cagayan de Oro
Interface Development Interventions
Yamog Foundation
Philippine Metalworkers Alliance (PMA)
Philippine Association of Free Labor Unions
Workers Welfare Watch – Philippines
Christian Life Community of the Philippines
Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Mangagawa sa Pilipinas
Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project
Cancer Warriors Foundation
Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc.
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150. Dr. Suzette H. Lazo, MD
151. Mr. Ronald Adlawan
152. Fr. Carmelo O. Diola
153. Mr. Roberto Versola
Mr. Riedo Panaligan
154. Ms. Evangeline Crisostomo Escobillo
155. Mr. Felipe Buencamino
156. Ms. Jessica Reyes-Cantos
157. Prof. Michael Alba
158. Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan
Youth for Nationalism and Democracy
Dilaab Foundation Inc.
Philippine Greens
Rice Watch and Action Network
UP School of Economics
Institute for Freedom of Information