Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday pushed for the passage of the Freedom to Information Act before Congress adjourns for the 2010 May elections.

“This is a measure that will go a long way in our people’s fight against graft and corruption in high places and boost transparency in government. It’s time has come,” Escudero said.

The Freedom to Information Act seeks to implement the right of the people to information on matters of public concern and the state policy of full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

During its deliberation, Escudero proposed amendments to the bill seeking to ensure that official records related to loans obtained or guaranteed by government; government contracts; statements of asset, liabilities, and net worth of government officials; and those pertaining to official investigations on graft and corrupt practices of public officers “should not be destroyed.”

He also asked for the creation of a records management program that will allow easy identification, retrieval and communication of information to the public.

Escudero also sought the creation of a database, in digital and online form, of all laws, presidential issuances, and appointments, and opinions of the Secretary of Justice.

“This will aid us all in maintaining institutional memory. Rascals and malefactors have always found comfort in the fact that we seem to have very short memory as a people,” he said. (Hannah L. Torregoza)