The proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance of the Cebu Provincial Government is set for its third deliberation under second reading on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Deferment for Further Input
The author of the ordinance, Mandaue City Lone District Provincial Board (PB) Member Malcolm Sanchez, moved to defer its approval during the session on May 11 to incorporate various comments, suggestions, and opinions raised by other board members.
“After considering all the comments, suggestions, and opinions of my colleagues in which I’m going to incorporate and refine the passage of the said ordinance for second reading in the next regular session, I move to defer the approval,” Sanchez said.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
The measure aims to institutionalize the public’s right to access information regarding official transactions, procurement, and expenditures at the provincial level. If passed, it will establish specific timelines for document release, list formal exemptions such as national security and personal privacy, and create a structured mechanism for handling data requests.
Deliberation Timeline
The timeline for the second reading reflects the board’s extended review. The first deliberation for second reading took place on May 4, continued on Monday, May 11, and was then rescheduled for third consideration on May 18.
Revisions on Appeal Structure
One of the major revisions involves the appeal structure when an information request is denied. In the original draft, the sole authority to handle appeals was given to the Office of the Governor. PB Member Raymond Calderon questioned this, noting potential conflicts if the governor’s office both issues the initial denial and resolves the subsequent appeal. To address this, the board agreed to establish a Provincial FOI Review Committee. The committee will be chaired by the Provincial Administrator, with the Chairman of the PB Committee on Information and Communications Technology serving as vice chairperson.
