What is covered?
All government offices under the Executive Branch, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges.
What information can be accessed?
Information, official and public records*; and documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as government research data used as basis for policy development.
Who has the right to access?
Every Filipino.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, as provided under the Constitution, existing laws, and jurisprudence. An inventory of these exceptions is available in a Memorandum from the Executive Secretary, dated 24 November 2016, with subject Inventory of Exceptions to Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016).
What’s the procedure?
Generally, a written request must be submitted to the government office concerned, which must have their own Freedom of Information Manual. The request must state the name and contact information of the requesting person, his/her valid ID, description of the information requested, and the reason for the request.
How long does it take for the government to respond?
The request must be acted upon within 15 working days from receipt. This period may be extended for certain reasons (e.g., if the request requires extensive search of records). In no case should the extension exceed 20 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
What is the remedy if the request is denied?
One may appeal to the person or office next higher in authority.
Can one go to court if the request is denied?
Only after one has exhausted administrative appeal remedies.
*Information shall mean any records, documents, papers, reports, letters, contracts, minutes and transcripts of official meetings, maps, books, photographs, data, research materials, films, sound and video recording, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data, computer stored data, any other like or similar data or materials recorded, stored or archived in whatever format, whether offline or online, which are made, received, or kept in or under the control and custody of any government office pursuant to law, executive order, and rules and regulations or in connection with the performance or transaction of official business by any government office.
Official record/records shall refer to information produced or received by a public officer or employee, or by a government office in an official capacity or pursuant to a public function or duty.
Public record/records shall include information required by laws, executive orders, rules, or regulations to be entered, kept and made publicly available by a government office.
