The House Committee on Public Information has passed the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.
Committee members cast a unanimous vote to send the consolidated version of the measure to the plenary.
The bill enables the public to review state contracts and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) of government officials.
The bill excludes public disclosure of issues involving national security, foreign policy, business and trade secrets, personal privacy and ongoing criminal investigations.
If enacted into law, the bill punishes violators with dismissal from service.
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The measure also imposes a penalty of imprisonment for six months for those who will be found criminally liable.
