MANILA, Philippines — Better late than never.

Fulfilling a promise to promote greater transparency and public access in government, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced Thursday that he has submitted the administration’s version of a Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in Congress.

The President shared the “scoop” about the transmission of the “substitute” FOI measure to his congressional allies during the 112th anniversary of the Manila Bulletin in Intramuros, Manila.

“Now because it’s your 112th anniversary, let me give you my gift. Here’s your scoop: I am happy to share with you that we have made progress in a much talked about issue. Earlier today, we formally submitted to our coalition partners in the House of Representatives a substitute Freedom of Information Bill, which we believe addresses stakeholders’ desires to have more  transparency and more access to information in government,” he saidin his speech.

“We want every other administration voted into power to work under the same standard of transparency and accountability that we have set for ourselves. This is a significant step toward achieving that goal,” he added.

The President earlier had pledged to seek the swift approval of the proposed FOI measure but cited the need for parameters to avoid abuse of information, especially those concerning national security.

The administration’s FOI version was finalized after months of consultations with concerned sectors, including representatives of media organizations.

The President, in the same speech, lauded the Manila Bulletin for its accurate and truthful reporting over the years and expressed hope this will be continued.

Citing the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Constitution, Aquino also reminded that while the Constitution guarantees the freedom of press, such freedom comes the corresponding responsibility of the media “to be balanced and fair.”

Aquino, however, made clear that his administration does not want the mainstream media to be reduced to “a vehicle for government propaganda” like what happened during the martial law regime.

“No one, we in government included, wants a return to that era. But while we welcome the media’s role as a check and balance to the abuse of power, we also thirst for news and views that do not ignore the positive transformations taking place in our nation today, and that always serves to elevate the level of public discourse,” he said to the audience that included former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada, and Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

“I hope you do not take this as criticism, but as a gentle reminder of our responsibility to work together in strengthening the country and its institutions: by identifying what needs to be improved, but also by acknowledging what is right – so that it can be continued, and built upon,” he added.

Aquino said he hopes the Manila Bulletin will continue to adhere to its masthead, to be the exponent of Philippine progress, citing the January 29 headline that declared Puerto Princesa as one of the new wonders of the world.

“As the oldest English language daily in the country, you are an ambassador of the country to the world; what you headline is read not just here, but also globally. I am told that the Thai media are keenly aware of the perceptions created by what their English-language media reports. I hope that the Bulletin will take this into account, as you consider not just your bottom line, but also how you serve as the country’s front-page, in presenting the stories by which we are judged,” he said.

“After all, as a paper with a long history, you have the institutional memory to recall how the media before martial law presented many different views, but managed to do so while retaining their credibility,” he said.

“I am asking of you nothing more than what I ask of my staff: which is to be absolutely accurate and authentic about measurable and quantifiable facts. I ask you this not for myself, but also for yourselves, so that you can maintain the credibility that you have built up for more than a century,” he said.

Aquino also vowed to promote accountability and justice during his term, citing the lessons from the martial law regime.

He said recent experience showed that the the law remains vulnerable in the wrong hands “when those in office subvert it for political survival and selfish gain, instead of using it as a guide in the fulfillment of their mandate, and in fostering our nation’s progress.”

Aquino likewise laid down his three ideals in his presidency, which are efficient allocation of resources, inclusive economic growth, and accountability and equity, which he hoped would be highlighted by the media.

“Every action must have consequences; this breeds predictable outcomes and a stable system, which eventually leads to a stable economy. These, ultimately, result in a society where people – investors, workers, ordinary citizens – buy into the system and contribute to moving the nation forward. Simply put: justice is the foundation of equitable progress,” he said.

In the same speech, Aquino acknowledged that the Manila Bulletin has its fingers on the pulse of the people, and “ultimately, it is to them that we – our administration and your publication both – are accountable.”

“I hope that the Manila Bulletin continues to flourish for the next century, as you remain true to your mandate of providing accurate and unbiased information to the public, without being sidetracked by the selfish agenda of some,” he said.

Aquino also cited the Manila Bulletin for reporting strides of his government and communicating to his government the aspirations of Filipinos.

“In your pages are accounts of how we have endeavored to strengthen our institutions, and how we have pursued the idea that the letter of the law must be used to uphold the spirit of the law. In fact, the entire nation is seeing that process unfold on a daily basis, and it is heartening to see how our people have understood the importance of what we have set out to do,” he said.

“In your editorial pages, the freest interplay of opinions can take place; your lifestyle pages are full of new trends; and your ever-reliable classifieds are full of job opportunities for our countrymen. All I ask, then, is that in the news, you cover our continuing efforts to achieve success on the three broad fronts I have described,” he said.