The Senate has approved the People’s Freedom of Information Act, a bill that expands public access to government records beyond the Executive branch to include Congress, the Judiciary, constitutional bodies, LGUs, GOCCs, and SUCs.
Labeled as Senate Bill No. 1432, the bill was passed in the Senate plenary yesterday, May 4, 2026.
The measure was based on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016 FOI order (Executive Order No. 2, s. 2016) and is positioned as a broader legal framework for transparency and open data.
Under this bill, top officials including the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and lawmaker must publish their SALNs on official government websites, while agencies are required to post key documents such as budgets, procurement plans, bidding contracts, and major obligations worth at least Php 50 million.
However, sensitive information tied to national security, law enforcement, foreign affairs, and privileged presidential or congressional communications are still exempted. The bill was authored by Sen. Joel Villanueva and sponsored by Sen. Robin Padilla.
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