Isko Moreno's First Executive Order: Freedom of Information

A new batch of Metro Manila mayors have just started their terms, and all eyes are on the fresh names that have ended dynasties in their respective areas. Mayor Isko Moreno—who is taking charge after Joseph Estrada's six-year rule over the City of Manila—signed his first Executive Order: "An Order Mandating The Adoption Of An Open Governance Policy In The City Of Manila," on July 1, according to the Manila Public Information Office.

In a bid for complete transparency, Executive Order No. 1 relies on social media as its main platform for information. Get ready for your feed to be filled with news on Manila City as all departments are now required to create their own social-media accounts, with an official to be put in charge. All orders, projects, and decisions must be posted online within 24 hours of their issuance.

Manileños can also expect to be free from the pains of the seenzone, at least where the city government is concerned: the policy calls for departments to be more active online. Departments "shall crowdsource feedback and adopt new ways of thinking," to create ideally better solutions, as stated in the order.

Uploaded in full to the office's website, this order makes sure Manila will uphold two basic rights of the people: "to know and have access to documents and proceedings of the government on matters of public concern," aside from having an open "path for citizens to express their concerns and grievances towards official acts."

Main image from the Isko Moreno Domagoso Facebook page.

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.