The Cebu Provincial Government has institutionalized a Freedom of Information (FOI) mechanism after the Provincial Board approved on third and final reading an ordinance that establishes public access to official records and government transactions across Capitol offices.
The measure, titled the “Cebu Provincial Government Offices Freedom of Information Ordinance of 2026,” sets a standardized process for citizens requesting documents and information from provincial agencies and government-controlled entities.
Once implemented, it will cover all provincial departments, divisions, units, and offices under the Cebu Provincial Government, providing clearer procedures for information requests and disclosure.
Board Member Malcolm Sanchez, author of the ordinance and chair of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, said the measure strengthens transparency and accountability in local governance.
“I would like to thank my colleagues nga finally after a series of meetings, deliberations ug meetings, na-approve na gyud ang atong ordinance on the third and final reading,” Sanchez said.
He said the ordinance brings government services closer to the public through improved access to information.
“Dako siya’g impact especially sa Sugbuanons… through this ordinance we are bringing the government closer to the people through transparency,” he added.
Under the ordinance, Filipino citizens may request access to records such as contracts, reports, memoranda, and other official documents, subject to existing legal restrictions.
However, disclosure will not cover information protected by laws on national security, privacy, executive privilege, trade secrets, confidential business data, and ongoing investigations.
Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong said requests involving unfinished or sensitive transactions may also be withheld to avoid premature disclosure.
“Anything that will involve national security, anything nga dili pa final para dili ma-preempt,” Orong said.
The ordinance sets processing timelines of three working days for simple requests, up to seven days for complex cases, and up to 20 working days for highly technical documents, in line with the Ease of Doing Business law.
While access to digital records is generally free, reproduction costs may be charged for printed copies, though indigent requesters may be exempted upon presentation of proof.
To implement the policy, the province will create a Provincial FOI Secretariat to oversee compliance, maintain records, and conduct public information campaigns.
Each office will also assign an FOI Receiving Officer, while department heads will act as decision makers for approvals or denials of requests.
A review committee will handle appeals, which must be filed within 15 working days of denial and resolved within 10 working days.
Orong said the provincial government is finalizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and preparing personnel training ahead of rollout.
She said the initiative also aims to strengthen public trust and counter misinformation by ensuring access to verified government data.
Sanchez said the FOI ordinance complements Cebu’s broader push for digitalization and participatory governance, encouraging greater public engagement in government processes.
Initial funding of around P2 million will be sourced from the Office of the Governor, while the province also encourages local governments in Cebu to adopt similar transparency measures.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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