The Philippine government has called on Congress to fast-track the passage of the long-pending freedom of information (FOI) bill, citing growing public demand for transparency amid investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez made the appeal on September 29 at the opening of the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025, which centers on the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

“This week, we heard the voices of Filipinos loudly calling, clamoring for an FOI Law,” Gomez said. 

“I take this opportunity to urge our lawmakers, civil society leaders, and fellow public servants to come together in finally enacting the Right to Information Bill for the Philippines, one that upholds global standards and empowers our democracy,” he added.

Gomez underscored that reliable access to environmental data is crucial for disaster preparedness in the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

“In a nation like ours, where natural disasters are an ever-present threat, access to environmental data is not just a matter of governance—it is a matter of survival,” he said. 

He further stressed the role of technology in making critical data accessible, saying it should guarantee that communities, particularly the most vulnerable, “have the information they need to stay safe, plan, and thrive.”

Over the two-day forum, government officials, civil society leaders, and international delegates are set to discuss ways to strengthen environmental data transparency, harness digital tools, and address the information challenges posed by climate change.

The Philippines is the first Southeast Asian country to host the annual international gathering. It last hosted a global access-to-information event in 2023 through the 14th International Conference of Information Commissioners.

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