The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., was lauded as one of the leading champions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program during the prestigious 2024 FOI Summit and Awards organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through its FOI-Program Management Office (FOI-PMO). The BIR was recognized as one of the awardees under the Top Requested (1,000+) Category, a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment in ensuring access to information and fostering transparency in public service.
The awarding ceremony was held on November 25, 2024 at the Hilton Manila Hotel in Pasay City. Representing the BIR in this momentous occasion were Deputy Commissioner Marissa O. Cabreros and Assistant Commissioner Janette R. Cruz who proudly received the award on behalf of the Bureau. The FOI Awards is an annual event that gives recognition to the critical role of FOI practitioners and advocates across government institutions, civil society organizations, and other sectors in institutionalizing and advancing the objectives of the FOI Program nationwide.
The BIR’s recognition as a Top Requested Agency reflects its dedication in promptly addressing the public’s growing demand for information. This accomplishment underscores the agency’s proactive efforts in institutionalizing streamlined processes, ensuring compliance with FOI policies, and serving as a model of transparency and accountability.
Coinciding with the giving of awards, the 2024 FOI Summit was also held, which convened government and non-government stakeholders under the theme, “Local Voices, National Impact: Bridging and Empowering Communities through FOI Localization.” The Summit served as a platform to reflect on the FOI program’s successes and challenges while sharing innovative approaches in enhancing access to information across the country. The event also highlighted the indispensable contributions of FOI Champions, Advocates, and Practitioners in sustaining a culture of transparency and good governance.
The Summit outlined key objectives, such as fostering collaboration with new and existing stakeholders, promoting the passage of the FOI Bill in the 19th Congress, and gathering insights to improve the FOI implementation. By bringing together FOI Advocates and Practitioners from various sectors, the Summit aimed to build robust communities of practice for access to information mechanisms at both local and national levels.
Commissioner Lumagui expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the FOI Program. “The BIR is proud to be a champion of transparency and accountability. This recognition inspires us to continue with our efforts to foster a culture of open and good governance in the Philippine to empower our citizens with access to information, strengthening public trust in our institutions,” he said.
