#Government Accountability

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. 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. The House Panel has approved the House Bill 1248 or "e-Government Bill" authored by Honorable Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. The e-Government Bill will require government agencies and corporations to have electronic government services and processes. To help fulfill the bill, the Department of Information and Communications Technology shall establish and promote an e-Government Master Plan, which includes: Philippine Government Interoperability Framework - a framework shall be developed to guide and govern basic technical and informational interoperability of government ICT systems. Archives and Records Management Information System - a system shall be designed to manage government documents and records systematically, including the digitization of paper-based documents and records. Government Online Payment System - citizens and businesses should be able to remit payments electronically to government agencies. Read more in our articles including "Senate passes FOI Bill (Freedom of Information Act, SB 1432)" and "e-Government Bill approved by House Panel".