TAGUIG CITY, Metro Manila – With the aim of strengthening transparency, promoting accountability, and upholding citizens’ right to information, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) conducted a Freedom of Information (FOI) Program Orientation for its new employees on October 7, 2026.

Organized in coordination with the FOI Program Management Office (FOI-PMO) of the Presidential Communications Office, the hybrid orientation equipped PNOC personnel with a deeper understanding of the FOI Program, particularly its legal framework, the roles and responsibilities of government personnel, request processing procedures, and relevant policies governing its effective implementation.

Institutionalized through Executive Order No. 2, s. 2016, the FOI Program enables citizens to access government-held information, subject to applicable exceptions, including information protected by law or relating to national security. It also reinforces the principle of proactive disclosure, promoting a shift from a “need to know” basis toward a “right to know” approach in public service.

In her opening remarks, PNOC Strategy Management Office Department Manager and FOI Decision Maker Alma B. Taganas emphasized the importance of distinguishing FOI requests from regular communications received by the Company.

She encouraged employees to familiarize themselves with FOI policies and recognize their shared responsibility in upholding transparency and protecting sensitive information. “I hope that through this orientation, you will become more familiar with our FOI policies and understand what is expected of you when handling information and responding to requests,” Ms. Taganas said.

The orientation was attended by 23 newly hired PNOC employees, including personnel from offsite offices who participated online. FOI-PMO Senior Compliance Officer Ms. Frances Paula Libo-on and Compliance Officer I Ms. Flordelyn A. Burga served as resource speakers, facilitating discussions and a question-and-answer session that allowed participants to clarify key provisions of EO No. 2, particularly those concerning the exceptions to access to information and the procedures for processing FOI requests.

The event also highlighted PNOC’s compliance with the FOI Program through the awarding of its Certificate of Compliance for 2024 led by FOI-PMO, affirming the Company’s compliance status and confirming that it had no pending FOI requests for the covered period.

The orientation forms part of PNOC’s continuing efforts to uphold transparency, accountability, and participatory governance within its organization. By equipping new employees with the necessary knowledge of the FOI Program, PNOC reinforces its commitment to responsive public service and the public’s right to access government-held information.