Many things hatched in secrecy and away from the prying eyes of the public often result to sinister acts. Many of the scams, anomalies and wrongdoings uncovered in government dealings and expenditures could have been prevented if the public and government watchdogs had access to crucial information all along. For information is knowledge and knowledge is power, the power to stem the tide of inappropriate behavior in governance and to stop corruption in its tracks. But without accompanying penal provisions to it, the law is without teeth and can easily be taken for granted. Hence the passage of a freedom of information bill into law is crucial if we are to stay on the right track and continue the reforms started. That the enactment of this bill into law has eluded past administrations comes as no surprise. This is easier said than done as powerful and vested interests are threatened by the prospect of an all out transparency and free access to information.

Without such a law, requests for documents relevant to any particular government transaction can be buried deep in the bureaucracy never to be acted upon. Stonewalling by the government agencies concerned amid lame excuses given are to be expected. Just recently the denial of the request made by the Commissioner of the BIR to secure the SALNs of the Magistrates of the Highest Court of the Land has generated an uproar and drew criticism to the Supreme Court. Remember, the former Chief Justice was impeached on the basis of inconsistencies and non-declaration in his SALN. Such a move by the Supreme Court now runs counter to the tenets of transparency and full disclosure. But without a law on the freedom of information, nothing much can be expected. Similarly other burning issues of the day can best be addressed and given full notice if the people become more aware and knowledgeable by way of free access to information. The apathy and hopelessness as a result of inaction can now be a thing of the past.

People in government, whether we like it or not, are more privileged than the rest of us. But this privilege can now be easily checked and balanced if their actions are open to scrutiny and are made transparent by the freedom to know about their doings and dealings. The prospect of full disclosure is enough deterrent to keep people on track. It may seem odd though that our lawmakers talk of good governance and the path to reform and yet many balk at the prospect of information being made free and accessible. They fear the use of information on their SALNs by their political enemies and see it as a threat to their security. Some fears may be legitimate but if one has nothing to hide and his declarations can stand scrutiny morally and legally those fears may be unfounded. But this is just one aspect of the freedom of information that is addressed.

The shenanigans and corrupt have a lot to fear if they cannot cover their tracks enough. The paper trail could very well lead to their doorsteps and just the thought of it is a daunting prospect to the shady characters who benefit the most from dealings made in secrecy. Without a doubt this bill when put into law can upset the balance to favour the honest and put confidence back in governance. This is an essential partner to good governance and is a healthy tool to preserve the reforms initiated. The way ahead may be rough and we are into the last two years of this President's administration. Many are hopeful that such an instrumental act to continue and safeguard the reforms started be passed into law within his term. This was one of the highlights of his campaign promises which critics are quick to call upon. But whether this can hurdle and breeze through the various interests in the House remains to be seen.

Now is the opportune time to get this bill enacted into law when people are hungry for reform and see changes in government. Amid the scams and scandals that have haunted us, the passage of the FOI Bill is like a beacon of light! The Provincial Board started inquiry into the fuel price situation in the province. The fuel pump prices in the city stand among the highest in the country and perhaps there is more than meets the eye. If the FOI Bill were enacted into law much information and relevant documentation can be fettered out from the oil industry players to gain a better understanding of the business mechanics and delivery structure that resulted into this glaring disparity and seemingly arbitrary pricing. But the Provincial Government is not without its powers if need be to protect the public interest.

We are hoping the legislature can conduct its probe deeper and bring our pump prices at par to neighboring Cebu. There is an underlying reason for all this. The right questions have to be asked and answered. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the late Fr. Sixto Vistal from Inabanga, who died of prostate cancer while in the service of our Lord in Mindanao. He was a fellow alumnus of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Taloto this city. May his soul rest in eternal peace.