MANILA – The Marcos administration on Monday called on lawmakers to pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, citing the public’s demand for transparency and accountability in light of the ongoing flood control projects investigation.

“This week, we heard the voices of Filipinos loudly calling, clamoring for an FOI Law,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said at the opening of the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025 in Pasay City.

“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.

The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to host the IDUAI Global Conference, with this year’s theme focusing on “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

“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,” Gomez said, stressing the need to use technology to provide vulnerable communities with accurate and timely information.

Over the next two days, participants will discuss ways to enhance environmental data transparency, harness digital technologies, and address climate change challenges through open access to information.

The Philippines last hosted the global access to information community in 2023 during the 14th International Conference of Information Commissioners.

“May these two days serve as a catalyst for strengthening our shared commitment to institutionalizing genuine access to information for the people. Because in a ‘New Philippines,’ every citizen has the right to ask and be involved,” Gomez said.