Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman Implements Landmark FOI Policy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – On June 30, 2023, newly sworn Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman marked the commencement of his term by signing Executive Order No. 1, which establishes the province's inaugural Freedom of Information (FOI) policy. This significant move aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the provincial government, aligning with national efforts to promote open governance.

The FOI policy is designed to empower citizens, granting them the right to access government information and documents that affect their lives. Governor Hataman emphasized that this initiative is a vital step towards fostering a culture of transparency and public participation in governance.

According to Governor Hataman, “The implementation of the FOI policy is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative for our administration. We believe that our constituents deserve to know how their government operates and how decisions affecting their lives are made.”

This initiative comes at a time when the Philippines is striving to enhance governmental transparency measures at both local and national levels. The national government, through the Presidential Communications Operations Office, has previously launched an FOI program aimed at increasing public access to information. The success of this program has set a precedent that many local governments are now striving to emulate.

Dr. Maria Santos, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, stated, “The move by Governor Hataman is commendable and aligns with the global trend towards more transparent governance. By adopting an FOI policy, Basilan is setting a standard for other provinces to follow.” This sentiment is echoed by various civil society organizations advocating for transparency in governance.

The implementation details of the FOI policy are still being finalized, including the specific procedures for citizens seeking information and the types of documents that will be accessible. Governor Hataman's administration has committed to ensuring that the process is user-friendly and that information is available in a timely manner.

Moreover, the policy has implications beyond transparency. It is anticipated to improve public trust in government institutions and foster a more engaged citizenry. As noted by Dr. John Reyes, a governance expert at Ateneo de Manila University, “When citizens have access to information, they are more likely to participate in the democratic process, which can lead to better governance.”

As Basilan embarks on this new chapter of transparency, the hope is that this initiative will inspire other local governments in the Philippines to adopt similar measures, ultimately contributing to a more open and accountable democratic society. The successful implementation of the FOI policy could serve as a model for transparency initiatives across the nation, reinforcing the importance of citizen engagement in governance decisions.

In conclusion, Governor Mujiv Hataman's efforts to establish an FOI policy in Basilan reflect a growing recognition of the need for transparency in governance. As the provincial administration moves forward with this initiative, it remains crucial to monitor its implementation and the subsequent impact on public trust and engagement in Basilan and beyond.