The municipality of Odiongan in Romblon approved earlier this month a local Freedom of Information (FOI) ordinance, institutionalizing public access to information.
The ordinance known as the “FOI Ordinance of 2021 of the Municipality of Odiongan, Romblon” authored by Sangguniang Bayan member Alexander Formento will fastrack Odionganons and non-Odionganons in accessing public information, officials’ records, public records, documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as the basis for policy development.
This will cover all departments, units, and offices under the Municipal Government.
The public may also request information on officials' Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
In a statement, Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic said that this ordinance will boost the level of transparency and accountability of the LGU.
Any person who request access to information may submit a written request to the Municipal Public Information Office (MPIO) or to the concerned department.
If the request has been approved, the MPIO shall immediately notify the requestor of the decision and release the information within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt of the request.
Failure of any government officer to comply with the provisions of the ordinance shall be ground for reprimand for a first offense, suspension of one (1) to thirty days for a second offense, or dismissal from the service for a third offense.
