The Municipality of Panay is the first in the Province of Capiz to pass a legislation to implement the Freedom of Information (FOI) , a significant step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in local governance.
This was after the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Panay passed on its final read
Known as Ordinance No. 02-Series of 2025 or the FOI Ordinance, it was
Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance of 2025—the first of its kind in the Province of Capiz.
Ordinance No. 02, Series of 2025, also known as the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance of 2025—the first of its kind in the Province of Capiz.
The ordinance was approved during the regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan on July 24, 2025, institutionalizing the public’s right to access government records, documents, and official information.
The measure was authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member, now Vice Mayor, Paolo Besa, and was reviewed by the Committee on Laws and Good Governance chaired by Lacelo C. Barredo. It was subsequently signed into law by Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa on July 26, 2025.
Vice Mayor Besa assumed the position following the passing of former Vice Mayor Julius Asis.
Local officials said the ordinance aims to strengthen transparency, promote accountability in public service, and empower citizens by ensuring access to government information.
The FOI ordinance also aligns with Executive Order No. 2 issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which promotes full public disclosure and transparency in the government.
Officials emphasized that the unanimous approval of the ordinance reflects the municipality’s commitment to open governance and the people’s right to information.
With the enactment of the FOI Ordinance of 2025, Panay has become the first municipality in Capiz to institutionalize a Freedom of Information measure at the local level, setting a precedent for other local government units in the province to follow.
