A forum entitled “Freedom of Information Act: The Need to Push for Its Passage” was organized by Action for Economic Reforms together with Economic Policy Reform and Advocacy (EPRA) on January 26, 2007 at Discovery Suites, Pasig City. The forum was attended by around 80 participants from the civil society organizations, government agencies, media, academe and private individuals.
The forum was welcomed by Dr. Cielito Habito, the Project Director of EPRA, where he also gave background on EPRA’s initiatives as it relates to the issue of transparency. The main speakers and their topics were:
Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan, a Trustee of AER and a Co-convenor of Access to Information Network (ATIN) – The Proposed Law on Access to Information;
Dr. Milwida Guevara, Chief Executive Officer of Synergeia Foundation – Fiscal Issues and Transparency; and
Prof. J. Prospero de Vera of the National College of Public Administration and Governance – Transparency and Governance
Mr. Alecks Pabico, Head of the Multi-Media Desk of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism gave his reaction and views on the freedom of information act. An open forum followed.
The forum was closed by Ms. Margarita Gomez, Trustee of Action for Economic Reforms, by requesting the participants to sign the manifesto as an expression of support to the passage of the Freedom of Information Act.
See executive summary of proceedings for more details.
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