We have seen it in the last few weeks.
His certification of the Reproductive Health bill as urgent last week facilitated the passage of the measure which was vigorously opposed by the intimidating Catholic Church.
A few weeks ago, Congress also passed the Sin Tax Reform bill which cigarette and alcoholic drinks companies, with huge lobby money, were blocking.
Information is power.
Only an informed citizenry can give true meaning to the definition of democracy, which is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Our Constitution recognizes this. That’s why it is enshrined in the Bill of Rights that “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.
“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.”
The Freedom of Information bill, which Arroyo-administration dominated House of Representatives refused to pass, gives flesh to this Constitutional provision.