Cebu City, Philippines — A significant step toward increased transparency in governance has been taken with the Cebu Provincial Board's approval of the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance. This measure, passed on May 26, 2026, is now awaiting the signature of Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro.
What the FOI Ordinance Entails
If enacted, the ordinance will enable residents to request access to key government documents, including financial reports, development plans, and project details. Requests are expected to be processed within three to 20 days, depending on their complexity.
The purpose of the FOI is to make it faster and more strategic for the public to obtain information from the Capitol.
Ainjeliz De la Torre-Orrong, Provincial Information Office
- Requests may be denied for national security or personal privacy reasons.
- An initial budget of approximately P2 million is allocated for the FOI program.
The ordinance's implementation involves creating a Provincial FOI Secretariat under the Governor's Office. This body will oversee compliance and maintain a registry of requests, ensuring the program operates smoothly.
Preparing for Implementation
Once the ordinance is signed, officials will draft the implementing rules and regulations. Each provincial office will appoint an FOI officer responsible for managing requests and facilitating access to information.
Board Member Malcolm Sanchez, who authored the ordinance, emphasized its potential to foster a culture of openness. He stated that the transparency fostered by this ordinance would allow residents to engage more actively in governance.
This ordinance is about giving our people the power to understand and participate in how we govern.
Malcolm Sanchez, Board Member
By learning from other cities like Pasig and Quezon City, Cebu aims to establish itself as a model for transparency and responsible governance. Officials anticipate that this ordinance will enhance public trust and involvement.