#Access to Information

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. However, sensitive information tied to national security, law enforcement, foreign affairs, and privileged presidential or congressional communications are still exempted. Pasig Mega Market now has satellite-powered internet to support cashless payments under the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The internet service is powered by Starlink and provides public WiFi access inside Pasig Mega Market. The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are working together to improve digital connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, and expand access to satellite data under a new initiative aimed at supporting economic growth and disaster resilience. One of the key parts of the initiative is access to data from the EU's Copernicus Earth observation system. Government agencies can use the information to support disaster risk reduction and other public services. The Philippine Space Agency and the EU Delegation to the Philippines are leading the project together with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Office of Civil Defense. Read more in our articles including "Senate passes FOI Bill (Freedom of Information Act, SB 1432)" and "Pasig Mega Market gets Starlink internet for cashless payments".