Sotto Bill: Full Government Records Disclosure
Sotto Files “People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025,” Mandating Openness in Government
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Senate minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has introduced a notable bill aiming to overhaul government transparency adn public access to information.The proposed “People’s Freedom of Information act of 2025” (Senate Bill No. 189) seeks to establish a clear policy for the full public disclosure of government records and transactions deemed to be of public interest,reinforcing accountability and citizen engagement.
Key Provisions of the Proposed FOI Act
The core principle underpinning the legislation, as stated by Sotto, is that “transparency is the cornerstone of good governance.” The bill aims to provide the public with “ready and complete access to key information,” fostering trust and enabling informed participation in democratic processes. Several key provisions define the scope of this access:
Mandatory SALN Disclosure: A central component of the bill is the mandatory, public disclosure of the Statement of Assets, liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) for a broad range of high-ranking public officials. This includes:
The President
The Vice President
Members of the Cabinet
Members of Congress
Justices of the Supreme Court
Members of constitutional Commissions and other constitutional offices
Officers of the Armed Forces holding General or Flag Ranks
Proactive Online Disclosure: All government agencies will be required to proactively upload specific information to their websites, with monthly updates. This includes:
A register of transactions, documents, and records
Details of the annual budget
Monthly collections and disbursements
Summary of income and expenditures
Procurement plans and lists
Items to bid
Procurement contracts
* Protected Information: Recognizing the need for confidentiality in certain areas, the bill explicitly outlines categories of information that will remain classified.These include sensitive personal information such as race, ethnicity, origin, health records, religion, political affiliations, education, and tax returns. National security and foreign affairs considerations will also be grounds for denying access.
Penalties for non-Compliance and Implementation Timeline
The proposed legislation includes significant penalties for public officials who attempt to obstruct access to information. Those found guilty of concealing, denying, destroying, altering, tampering with, or modifying information face imprisonment of one to six months and fines ranging from ?10,000 to ?100,000.
To ensure effective implementation,government agencies are mandated to prepare a Freedom of Information Manual within six months of the Act’s enactment. This manual will serve as a guide for both agency personnel and the public, outlining procedures for requesting and accessing information.
Context and Parallel Efforts in the House of Representatives
Sotto’s filing of the bill comes alongside similar efforts in the House of Representatives. Members of the Liberal Party (LP) have also refiled a Freedom of Information bill, specifically focusing on the mandatory disclosure of SALNs for the president, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials. This bipartisan support signals a growing momentum for greater transparency in Philippine government.
“In this modern world where data is readily available online, information about government transactions, processes and actions shall likewise be accessible to our countrymen as a matter of right,” Sotto emphasized, highlighting the importance of adapting to the digital age and empowering citizens with access to crucial information.