The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) honored CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Award to recognize his advocacy for transparency and accountability.
The lawmaker authored FOI legislation in the 18th and 19th Congress to empower citizens with access to government information.
“We, in CIBAC Party-List [group], believe that the real antidote to corruption is the power of an informed and engaged citizenry. Thus we keep on filing the FOI bill time and time again,” Villanueva said.
“The FOI bills seek the full public disclosure of government transactions across all branches of the government – subject to clear and limited exceptions,” he added.
CIBAC has consistently championed the FOI bill since 2001, pushing for its enactment as the implementing law of the people’s constitutional right to access information on matters of public concern.
“This award breathes unto us a renewed sense of determination and inspiration to see the FOI bill enacted into law. Thank you very much,” Villanueva said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Former CIBAC Rep. Domeng Rivera received the award on behalf of Villanueva during the 2024 FOI Awards held at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City on Monday.
