Screengrab from https://data.gov.ph/
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday clarified that the newly launched Open Data website should not be used as a reason to block the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.
“That is not a substitute to FOI. Open data is supply driven. FOI is demand-drive,” presidential spokesperson said in a press briefing.
Open Data Philippines (www.data.gov.ph) is a website that hosts data from all departments and agencies under the national government.
He added that there may be instances when the two might “intersect” but that does not mean that the Open Data website will become a substitute.
Lacierda said that in other countries, “Even if they have FOI laws, there is such a big demand for open data.”
Advocates of the FOI law have been waiting for its approval since its first version was filed in Congress 22 years ago.
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