Resolution No.

2013-009 A Resolution Calling on Buklod Atenista Member Schools to Support the 1 Revised Freedom of Information Act of 2012 Status: Approved Authored by: Ateneo de Zamboanga University

WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista Constitution states that basic Ignatian values such as respect for humanity, dignity, freedom, justice, and service to our fellow men and women must at all times 2 be upheld and propagated ; WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista Constitution states that nationalism be inculcated in all 3 Ateneans ; WHEREAS, a lot of information regarding government processes and transactions is kept from the public. This lack of transparency has resulted to the structural cover-up of government anomalies such as malversation of funds, abuse of power, and lack of compliance with state procedures and processes. Moreover restraints on access to government documents limited the audit of government management and performance; WHEREAS, Article 3 Section 7 of the Philippine Constitution states that the people have the right to information on matters of public concern. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law; WHEREAS, the government, as the representative of the people, founded on the principles of a participatory and representative democracy, has an obligation to uphold the right of their constituents to access information for the purposes of transparency and accountability; WHEREAS, the Revised Freedom of Information Act 2012 upholds, in Section 2 Declaration of Policy, the right of the people to information on matters of public concern, and adopts and implements a policy full of public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, subject to the procedures and limitations provided by this Act; WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista is cognizant of the public role in auditing government policies, programs, and practices and, as such, recognizes the invaluable right of the people to access important government documents; WHEREAS, while some member schools have reservations against this Act, in principle, this bill is linear to the ideals upheld by Buklod; WHEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Buklod Atenista shall express its support for the Revised Freedom of Information Act of 2012; WHEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that every Member school shall follow the following phases according to their own means:

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Introduced by Reps. Taada, Biazon, Nograles, Angara, Casio & Colmenares, Bello & Bag-ao, Romualdo, Apostol, Del Mar, Castelo, and Escudero "!Article II, Section 1 of the 2011 Buklod Atenista Constitution! #!Article II Section 2 of the 2011 Buklod Atenista Constitution!

PHASE 1: RESEARCH AND MONITORING The first step we need to do is to research further on ambiguous and contestable terms and/or provisions of the Act. It is a must to understand the whole concept of the act so we are able to spread the information in its most appropriate meaning. We also need to take into consideration that we must monitor any progress on the Act in terms of revisions, newer versions, amendments, hearings, et cetera. It is such because of the fact that these can also affect the stand on the bill. PHASE 2: COORDINATION Level One We invite students and even representatives from government offices or agencies for reactions, suggestions, and other concerns regarding the act. Results from this level should be documented to be used on the next level. Level Two After we gather ideas from other people, we coordinate with the Buklod Atenista member schools to discuss the concerns given on the first level and after, create the stand regarding the Act. The means will depend on the discretion of the National Congress. PHASE 3: CRAFTING The next thing to do is to create a stand in support of the Bill with the respective student governments. The stand should be based from the discussions made during the coordination with the other Buklod Atensita member schools for unity among them. PHASE 4: DISSEMINATION Lastly, student councils will spread the stand on the bill for dissemination of information to the school body and other agencies concerned. WHEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution take effect upon a 2/3 vote of the National Congress. Zamboanga, Philippines, May 31, 2013.

Approved by:

IVY JANE TORREGOSA Ambassador Ateneo de Davao University

ROMMEL REGOR ONG Ambassador Ateneo de Zamboanga University

RAY CRISTOFER GOMEZ Ambassador Ateneo de Manila University

ALBERT WENCES DABA III Ambassador Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan

RENZO ENRICO BLANCO Ambassador Ateneo de Naga University