Media and watchdog groups had been demanding the reform, the first national freedom of information order, for years. Andanar said Duterte, who took office in June, respected the independence of Congress and denied the new order was intended to pressure lawmakers into passing the freedom of information law. MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a landmark freedom of information order to allow the public full access to government records for the first time, his spokesman said Sunday, in a move welcomed by transparency advocates. "This is record-breaking speed for a landmark executive order being signed," Andanar told reporters. Senator Grace Poe, an advocate of the freedom of information bill, said that Duterte's move "is already indeed a milestone".

Source: Bangkok Post July 24, 2016 12:45 UTC