MANILA -- The Department of National Defense (DND) believes not all government information should be made public. Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino told a Senate hearing on the freedom of information (FOI) bill that state secrets, particularly those containing sensitive details which may affect national security, should remain confidential. The department also supports the exemption for private information of public officials. But the DND vowed to actively participate in the creation of new laws that will push the public's right to information. The Department of Justice (DOJ), meanwhile, stressed the importance of balancing the public's right to information and the rights of the government. Justice Assistant Secretary Zabedin Azis said there are situations when releasing specific information may not be beneficial to the public. Azis also questioned the applicability of the bill in cases of state emergencies. ANC Dateline Philippines, September 4, 2013
