THE APPROVAL on third and final reading by the Iloilo City Council of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance is a reaffirmation of a principle that lies at the heart of every democratic society: the people’s right to know.
In a democracy, government does not operate for itself. It exists to serve the public. Public officials are entrusted with authority, resources, and responsibilities that ultimately belong to the people. It follows, therefore, that citizens have every right to know how decisions are made, how public funds are spent, and how government programs are being implemented.
The right to information is not merely a legal concept enshrined in the Constitution. It is a practical necessity for good governance. Citizens cannot make informed decisions if they are denied access to facts. Voters cannot intelligently evaluate the performance of elected leaders if government records remain hidden. Communities cannot meaningfully participate in public discussions if information is available only to a privileged few.
An informed citizenry is the lifeblood of democracy.
When government information is accessible, people become more than passive observers. They become active participants in governance. They can scrutinize budgets, monitor infrastructure projects, examine procurement contracts, and assess whether public services are being delivered effectively. They can ask difficult questions and demand satisfactory answers.
Conversely, when information is withheld, democracy suffers. Secrecy breeds suspicion. It fuels rumors, misinformation, and distrust. Citizens who are denied access to official information are often left to rely on speculation and hearsay. In such an environment, accountability becomes difficult and public confidence in government institutions erodes.
The importance of the right to know becomes even more apparent during times of controversy. Questions about public spending, government contracts, development projects, environmental concerns, public health programs, and law enforcement actions can only be properly addressed when relevant information is made available. Transparency allows facts to prevail over conjecture and evidence to prevail over accusations.
The media also plays a crucial role in this process. Journalists serve as intermediaries between government and the public. Their ability to report accurately depends heavily on access to official records and documents. When government information is accessible, the press can perform its watchdog function more effectively, helping ensure that public officials remain accountable for their actions.
At the same time, transparency benefits government itself. Contrary to the belief of some officials, openness is not a threat. It is an opportunity to build public trust. Citizens are more likely to support government programs and policies when they understand how decisions are made and can see that public resources are being managed responsibly. Transparency strengthens credibility and fosters confidence in public institutions.
The right to know is often described as the foundation of all other democratic rights. Without information, citizens cannot effectively exercise freedom of expression, participate in public affairs, or hold leaders accountable. Information empowers people to engage with issues that affect their lives and communities.
That is why the right to know is a right worth protecting. It safeguards transparency, strengthens accountability, and deepens democracy itself. By defending the public’s access to information, we defend the very principles upon which democratic governance is built.
A government that is willing to be scrutinized is a government confident in its integrity. A citizenry that seeks information is a citizenry committed to responsible participation. Both are essential for a healthy democracy. Both deserve encouragement. And both begin with a simple but powerful principle: the people have the right to know.
