𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has unanimously approved on third and final reading the “Cebu Provincial Government Offices Freedom of Information Ordinance of 2026,” institutionalizing the public’s constitutional right to access information in all Cebu Provincial Government offices.
The ordinance adopts a Freedom of Information (FOI) program, that establishes guidelines for its implementation, and strengthens transparency and accountability in local governance.
The ordinance is authored by PB Member Malcolm Sanchez, in close coordination with the Provincial Information Office, headed by Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong, which is tasked with drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
Upon assuming office on June 30, 2025, Gov. Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 3, implementing the FOI Program across the provincial government.
The approval of the FOI ordinance forms part of Governor Baricuatro’s priority agenda to promote transparent and accountable governance.
“Apart from promoting transparency, Gov. Pam also pushed for the institutionalization of Freedom of Information (FOI) in the province because it can help combat the spread of fake news and misinformation. By giving people access to accurate and verified information, the public becomes more informed and more responsible in identifying and avoiding unverified or misleading news,” Orong said during a sideline interview.
Among her earliest executive orders were the full implementation of the Freedom of Information program in the Provincial Government of Cebu and the mandatory livestreaming of procurement and bidding proceedings conducted by the Bids and Awards Committees (BAC).
These initiatives institutionalized open access to government information, reinforced ethical procurement practices, and positioned Cebu as a national model for transparent local governance. Cebu’s FOI guidelines have likewise earned recognition from the Presidential Communications Office. (more details to follow) /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝒀𝑱𝑩
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