Cebu residents may soon have broader access to government records and public information as the provincial government urges component cities and municipalities to establish their own Freedom of Information (FOI) mechanisms.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 43, Series of 2026, directing local governments to establish, strengthen and institutionalize FOI programs within their respective jurisdictions.
Signed on Aug. 12, the order builds on the Cebu Provincial Government’s existing FOI policy and seeks to expand transparency, accountability and public access to information at the local level.
EO 43 does not automatically require cities and municipalities to adopt the province’s existing FOI rules.
Instead, it encourages local government units (LGUs) to pass their own FOI ordinances through their respective sanggunians, allowing them to tailor the mechanisms to their organizational structures, resources and local conditions.
LGUs may adopt, where appropriate, the principles and mechanisms under Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-09, or the Cebu Provincial Government Offices Freedom of Information Ordinance of 2026.
The provincial government previously institutionalized FOI in its own offices through Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2025.
LGUs urged to disclose records proactively
The order cites the constitutional right of Filipinos to information on matters of public concern, including access to official records, documents, transactions and decisions, subject to limitations provided by law.
It also promotes proactive disclosure, which would allow residents to access routinely available government information without having to file formal FOI requests.
LGUs are encouraged to publish documents such as annual budgets, financial reports, procurement plans, contracts, development programs and progress reports on public projects.
These may be posted through official websites, social media accounts, bulletin boards and transparency portals.
The disclosures, however, must remain subject to existing laws and exemptions on protected or confidential information.
The provincial government said the approach would make government data more accessible and allow residents to monitor public spending, track projects and follow local government programs.
PIO to assist local governments
The Provincial Information Office (PIO) will serve as the lead coordinating body for the implementation of EO 43.
It will provide technical assistance upon request and prepare model FOI ordinances, manuals and forms for LGUs.
The PIO will also conduct capacity-building activities for local officials and facilitate coordination and sharing of best practices on records management and transparency.
LGUs that have already enacted FOI ordinances or are currently drafting them are requested to submit copies of their issuances to the PIO.
The submissions will help the provincial government document local practices and provide more targeted technical assistance.
EO 43 also clarifies that its provisions do not change or diminish the existing provincial FOI policies governing provincial offices and personnel.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province/FB
Comments