Prime Minister Questions Ombudsman’s Authority on FOIA Request

Last week, we told you that the Office of the Ombudsman has written to the Attorney General ordering the release of information requested by Social Activist, Jeremy Enriquez. But does the office have the authority to make such a demand? We asked the prime minister on Monday and while he questioned the same, he stayed away from details.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that’s a question to ask the attorney general, because I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know if the Ombudsman even has that authority, but that’s a matter for I don’t know, so I don’t want to, so don’t twist anything that I am saying.”

 

Reporter
“But you support transparency in general.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“As much as you do.”

 

Reporter
“I’m not the Prime Minister, sir.”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño
“But you do you do give a public good. So, you also have a responsibility.”