Mabilog renews push for Iloilo FOI ordinance

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog has revived efforts to institutionalize transparency in local governance with the reintroduction of a Freedom of Information (FOI) ordinance that would allow greater public access to government records and transactions in Iloilo City.

The proposed measure seeks to enhance the city government’s transparency, accountability, and openness to public scrutiny.

Mabilog’s proposal is her first ordinance to pass first reading.

“All questions from the public must be answered,” she said. “I think it is not disadvantageous to anyone if we give the people a mechanism for the right to information.”

“We must continue to ensure that the people’s trust in us remains,” she added. “Access to information will be our main armor in the fight against corruption.”

The ordinance guarantees every Filipino citizen the right to access public records in the custody of city offices, except for those covered by legal exemptions such as national security, data privacy, law enforcement operations, and executive privilege.

To promote openness, it also mandates the proactive disclosure of government information even without formal public requests.

City offices will be required to regularly publish annual budgets, financial statements, procurement plans and awarded contracts, zoning and development plans, audit reports, and compliance findings.

These records must be updated at least quarterly through the city’s official website and public bulletin boards.

Majority Floor Leader Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia recalled that a similar ordinance was filed in the 11th City Council but did not pass due to concerns over data privacy.

He said the city then lacked an institutional system to manage and secure sensitive data, raising legal and technical issues.

With the establishment of the Data Assessment and System Management Office, Sarabia said the city council is now better equipped to handle data security and privacy protocols required under an FOI framework.