Transparency and Accountability Network

On 9 November 2009,  the Right to Know, Right Now! campaign held a march from the Film Center to the Senate to appeal for immediate action on Senate Bill 3308 or the Freedom of Information Act. The activity was kicked off by a story on the action by PCIJ, which came out in various media. At the Senate, representatives of the group spoke to Majority Leader Migs Zubiri and Senate President Enrile. A collective statement of more than 70 organizations appealing for the passage of the bill without delay was also submitted. The group also asked that the rally outside be allowed to enter the Senate driveway at the building front.

Senate President Enrile and the Majority Leader committed to pass the bill. As a compromise on the entranceof the rally, they allowed 40 representatives inside the session hall. At the session, the Majority Leader made of record the Senate's commitment tro pass the bill. In terms of timetable, they committed to approve it on second reading before it adjourns next week, and on third reading when it resumes session in December. He also read the first paragraph of the statement on the floor.

Senator Cayetano was still in Japan for an official travel, but will arrive today and hopefully the interpellation of Senators Arroyo and Pimentel starts.

See below a news report on the matter. See also the GMA news covereage at this link http://www.gmanews. tv/video/ 50517/senate- pressed-to- pass-freedom- of-information- bill