Davao City representative Karlo Nograles refuted claims that he is working against the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill, including imputations that his father, former House speaker Prospero Nograles, opposed the passage of the controversial measure.
“These allegations are unfair and those who are making these claims are ignorant of the facts and the things that transpired in relation to our position on this Freedom of Information bill. My father became
the media’s punching bag simply because he was the Speaker, but records will bear us out that he actively pushed for its passage,” the young Nograles said.
“This bill wouldn’t even reach its final stage had it not been for my father’s insistence,” he added.
In refuting insinuations that he is against the FOI for the simple reason that the bill he filed contained a provision that makes the law non-retroactive, Nograles said that his bill is a basic replica of the final version of the FOI bill during the 14th Congress.
“I just refiled the final version of the FOI Bill on the assumption that since this was the collective version of the committee on public information during the 14th Congress, there would be little debate for its speedy approval and plenary referral. They are imputing malicious motives which did not even cross my mind when I filed my bill. I thought I was doing a good job,” Nograles said.
Nograles said that his bill is just one of the many measures on freedom of information and he would not complain if not a single provision of his bill is adopted “as long as the FOI bill is approved.”
“I’m okay with it even if none of the provisions of my bill is adopted because that’s up to the committee and the plenary. What’s important is that this bill is approved,” he said.
Nograles advised FOI advocates to win allies so that they can be assured of a favorable support from the members of the House of Representatives, instead of turning them off because of their irresponsible remarks and actuations.
“They should lobby to get the support of the majority instead of throwing insults and vilifying those who will be deciding the fate of this measure. If they do not know how to respect us, they should at least show some respect for our constituents who elected us into office. Hindi lang sila ang magaling at hindi lang sila ang tama,” Nograles said.
