BACOLOD CITY – Himamaylanons will have easier access to public documents now that the Freedom of Information Ordinance has been passed by its Sangguniang Panglungsod and approved by Mayor Raymund Tongson.
The measure, according to the press release from the Office of the Vice-Mayor Justin Gatuslao, was authored by the vice-mayor and passed last 25 October. It was made public 28 November this year.
The measure was crafted in the spirit of transparency, public disclosure, and open records to facilitate good governance, public accountability, and people empowerment.
The ordinance requires city government offices to give Himamaylanons free and full access to public records and documents.
The ordinance also details procedures for information requests. It also requires the publication of the People’s Right to Information Manual.
According to the press release, the Presidential Communications Operations Office recognized the Himamaylan council as the first to have passed an FOI ordinance in the province.