2023

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION 1: OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................... 1
SECTION 2: DEFINITION OF TERMS ................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 3. PROTECTION OF PRIVACY............................................................................................ 6
SECTION 4. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR FOI REQUEST......................................................... 7
SECTION 5. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR eFOI REQUEST .................................................... 11
SECTION 6. REMEDIES IN CASE OF DENIAL ................................................................................ 14
SECTION 7. REQUEST TRACKING SYSTEM .................................................................................. 15
SECTION 8. FEES ................................................................................................................................... 16
SECTION 9. ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY ....................................................................................... 17
ANNEX A: FOI FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................................................................... 18
ANNEX B: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02 ............................................................................................ 21
ANNEX C: FOI OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE ........... 26
ANNEX C-1: FOI RECEIVING OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKESOFFICE ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
ANNEX D: LIST OF EXCEPTIONS ...................................................................................................... 34
ANNEX D-1: LIST OF PCSO EXCEPTIONS ...................................................................................... 35
ANNEX E: FOI REQUEST FORM ........................................................................................................ 36
ANNEX F: FOI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 21-05 ................................................................. 38
ANNEX G: BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 095, s. 2023....................................................................... 43

PCSO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) MANUALSECTION 1: OVERVIEW
1. Purpose: The purpose of this People’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Manual(Manual) is to provide the process to guide and assist the Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) including its Extension and Branch Offices, in dealing
with requests of information received under Executive Order (E.O.) No. 2 on Freedomof Information (FOI). (Annex “B”)
2. Structure of the Manual: This Manual shall set out the rules and procedures to befollowed by the PCSO, and its Extension and Branch Offices, when a request foraccess to information is received. The General Manager (GM) is responsible for all
actions carried out under this Manual and may delegate this responsibility to theconcerned Assistant General Managers (AGMs) and/or Department Managers to act
as the FOI Decision Maker (FDM) and shall have overall responsibility for the initialdecision on FOI requests, (i.e. to decide whether to release all the records, partiallyrelease the records or deny access).
3. Coverage of the Manual: The Manual shall cover all requests for information directed
to PCSO and all its Extension and Branch Offices (see Annex “C”) for the list of all
PCSO Offices, official addresses and designated FRO).
4. FOI Receiving Officer: There shall be an FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) designated at
the PCSO. The FRO shall come from the Central Records and Library Division,
General Services Department of PCSO. All PCSO Extension and Branch Offices
shall also designate an FRO within their respective area of responsibility. All Offices
and Departments shall designate a local FRO to have a direct communication with the
PCSO FRO.
The functions of the PCSO FRO shall include the following:
1. Serve as the initial point of contact to the public for FOI manual and Electronic
FOI (eFOI) requests coursed through the eFOI Portal;
2. Receive all FOI manual requests on behalf of the office/s within its jurisdiction;
3. Receive all eFOi requests on behalf of all the offices in the PCSO including the
Extension and Branch Offices;
4. Conduct initial evaluation of FOI requests and determine whether or not they
are fully compliant FOI requests;
5. Advise the requesting party whether the request will be forwarded to the FOI
Decision Maker for further evaluation, or deny the request based on:a. That the form is incomplete; orb. That the information is already disclosed in the PCSO
Official Website or at data.gov.ph;
6. Upon acceptance of the FOI request, forward the FOI request to thecorresponding FOI Decision Maker and provide an advance copy to theconcerned local FRO who has custody of the records;
7. Monitor all FOI requests and appeals;
8. Provide assistance to the FOI Decision Maker;
9. Provide assistance and support to the public and staff with regard to FOI;
10. Compile statistical information as required.
The local FRO shall have a close coordination with the PCSO FRO. Further, they shallbe responsible in giving the information or documents to the PCSO FRO relative to
the FOI request for faster transaction.

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In case where the FRO is on official leave, the FOI Decision Maker may delegate suchduty to another employee within the same office.
5. FOI Decision Maker: There shall be an FOI Decision Maker (FDM), designated by
the PCSO GM, with a rank of not lower than a Department Manager (DM) or its
equivalent.
In case the FDM is on official leave, such duty is automatically delegated to theAlternate FDM.
The functions of the FDM shall include the following:a. Receive from the PCSO FRO all FOI requests;b. Conduct evaluation of the request for information and has the authority
to grant the request, or deny it based on the following:● PCSO does not have the information requested;● The information requested contains sensitive personal
information protected by the Data Privacy Act of 2012;● The information requested falls under the list of exceptions to
FOI (Annex “D” and “D-1”); or● The request is an unreasonable subsequent identical or
substantially similar request from the same requesting party
whose request has already been previously granted or denied
by PCSO;c. Accept or deny the request within ten (10) days from receipt of FOI
requests, and within fifteen (15) days from submission of the requesting
party for eFOI requests, unless there is a request for extension or
clarification.
6. Approval and Denial of Request to Information: The FOI Decision Maker (FDM)
shall approve or deny all request of information. In case where the FDM is on official
leave, he/she may delegate such authority to any Officer not below the rank of a
Department Manager.

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SECTION 2: DEFINITION OF TERMSCONSULTATION. When a government office locates a record that contains
information of interest to another office, it will ask for the views of that other agency
on the availability for disclosure of the records before any final determination is made.
This process is called a “consultation.”data.gov.ph. The Open Data website that serves as the government’s
comprehensive portal for all public government data that is searchable,
understandable, and accessible.
eFOI.gov.ph. The website that serves as the government’s comprehensive FOI
website for all information on the FOI. Among many other features, eFOI.gov.phprovides a central resource for the public to understand the FOI, to locate records
that are already available online, and to learn how to make a request for informationthat is not yet publicly available. eFOI.gov.ph also promotes agency accountability
for the administration of the FOI by graphically displaying the detailed statistics
contained in Annual FOI Reports, so that they can be compared by agency and overtime.
EXCEPTIONS. Information that should not be released and disclosed in response to
an FOI request because they are protected by the Constitution, laws or jurisprudence.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI). The Executive Branch recognizes the right ofthe people to information on matters of public concern, and adopts and implementsa policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, subject
to the procedures and limitations provided in Executive Order No. 2. This right is
indispensable to the exercise of the right of the people and their organizations toeffective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political and economic
decision-making.
FOI CONTACT. The name, address and phone number at each government officewhere you can make an FOI request.
FOI REQUEST. A written request submitted to a government office personally or byemail asking for records on any topic. An FOI request can generally be made by any
Filipino to any government office.
FOI RECEIVING OFFICE. The primary contact at each agency where the requesting
party can call and ask questions about the FOI process or the pending FOI request.
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED INFORMATION. Information released in response to
an FOI request that the agency determines have become or are likely to become thesubject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records.
FULL DENIAL. When PCSO or its Extension or Branch Offices cannot release any
records in response to an FOI request, because, for example, the requested
information is exempt from disclosure in its entirety or no records responsive to therequest could be located.
FULL GRANT. When PCSO is able to disclose all records in full in response to an
FOI request.
INFORMATION. Shall mean any records, documents, papers, reports, letters,
contracts, minutes and transcripts of official meetings, maps, books, photographs,
data, research materials, films, sound and video recording, magnetic or other tapes,
electronic data, computer stored data, any other like or similar data or materials
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recorded, stored or archived in whatever format, whether offline or online, which are
made, received, or kept in or under the control and custody of any government officepursuant to law, executive order, and rules and regulations or in connection with theperformance or transaction of official business by any government office.
INFORMATION FOR DISCLOSURE. Information promoting the awareness andunderstanding of policies, programs, activities, rules or revisions affecting the public,
government agencies, and the community and economy. It also includes informationencouraging familiarity with the general operations, thrusts, and programs of thegovernment. In line with the concept of proactive disclosure and open data, thesetypes of information can already be posted to government websites, such asdata.gov.ph, without need for written requests from the public.
MULTI-TRACK PROCESSING. A system that divides incoming FOI requests
according to their complexity so that simple requests requiring relatively minimal
review are placed in one processing track and more complex requests are placed in
one or more other tracks. Requests granted expedited processing are placed in yet
another track. Requests in each track are processed on a first in/first out basis.
OFFICIAL RECORD/S. Shall refer to information produced or received by a public
officer or employee, or by a government office in an official capacity or pursuant to a
public function or duty.
OPEN DATA. Refers to publicly available data structured in a way that enables thedata to be fully discoverable and usable by end users.
PARTIAL GRANT/PARTIAL DENIAL. When a government office is able to disclose
portions of the records in response to an FOI request, but must deny other portionsof the request.
PENDING REQUEST OR PENDING APPEAL. An FOI request or administrative
appeal for which a government office has not yet taken final action in all respects. It
captures anything that is open at a given time including requests that are well within
the statutory response time.
PERFECTED REQUEST. An FOI request, which reasonably describes the records,
sought and is made in accordance with the government office’s regulations.

PERSONAL INFORMATION. Shall refer to any information, whether recorded in amaterial form or not, from which the identity of an individual is apparent or can bereasonably and directly ascertained by the entity holding the information, or when put
together with other information would directly and certainly identify an individual.
PROACTIVE DISCLOSURE. Information made publicly available by government
agencies without waiting for a specific FOI request. Government agencies now poston their websites a vast amount of material concerning their functions and mission.
PROCESSED REQUEST OR PROCESSED APPEAL. The number of requests orappeals where the agency has completed its work and sent a final response to therequester.
PUBLIC RECORDS. Shall include information required by laws, executive orders,rules, or regulations to be entered, kept, and made publicly available by PCSO.
RECEIVED REQUEST OR RECEIVED APPEAL. An FOI request or administrative
appeal that PCSO has received within a fiscal year.
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REFERRAL. When a government office locates a record that originated with, or is ofotherwise primary interest to another agency, it will forward that record to the otheragency to process the record and to provide the final determination directly to therequester. This process is called a “referral.”
SENSITIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION. As defined in the Data Privacy Act of2012, shall refer to personal information:(1) About an individual race, ethnic origin, marital status, age, color, and religious

philosophical or political affiliations;(2) About an individual health, education, genetic or sexual life of a person, or toany proceedings for any offense committed or alleged to have committed bysuch person, the disposal of such proceedings or the sentence of any court insuch proceedings;(3) Issued by government agencies peculiar to an individual which includes, but
not limited to, social security numbers, previous or current health records,
licenses or its denials, suspension or revocation, and tax returns; and(4) Specifically established by an executive order or an act of Congress to be kept
classified.
SIMPLE REQUEST. An FOI request that PCSO anticipates will involve a small volume
of material or which will be able to be processed relatively quickly.

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SECTION 3. PROTECTION OF PRIVACY
While providing for access to information, the PCSO shall afford full protection to aperson’s right to privacy, as follows:a. PCSO shall ensure that personal information, particularly sensitive personal

information, in its custody or under its control is disclosed only as permitted
by existing laws;b. PCSO shall protect personal information in its custody or under its control bymaking reasonable security arrangements against unauthorized access,leaks or premature disclosure;c. The FRO, FDM, or any employee or official who has access, whether

authorized or unauthorized, to personal information in the custody of PCSO,
shall not disclose that information except as authorized by existing laws.

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SECTION 4. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR FOI REQUEST
1. Receipt of Request for Information.
1.1. The requesting party must fill-up a FOI Request Form indicating the following:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●

Full name;Contact Information;
Complete address;
Company/ Affiliation/ Organization/ School and Position;
Type of ID given;
Reasonable description of the information requested;
The reason for, or purpose of the request for information;
All other details as indicated in the FOI Request Form.

1.2. The FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) shall receive the request for information fromthe requesting party and check compliance of the following requirements:●●●

The request must be in writing;
The request shall state the name and contact information of therequesting party, as well as provide valid proof of identification or
authorization; andThe request shall reasonably describe the information requested, andthe reason for, or purpose of, the request for information (See Annex“E”).

The request can be made through email, provided that the requesting party
shall attach in the email a scanned copy of the FOI application request, and a
copy of a duly recognized government ID with photo.
1.3. The purpose of the request for information shall be specific or adequately andsufficiently described. General averments of the purpose such as “forinformation,” “for research,” for legal purpose,” or other similarly worded
purposes shall not be considered to have met the requirements of specificity.
Failure to specify the reason for or purpose of the request for information shallbe a ground for denial of the FOI request.
1.4. The requesting party shall attach to his or her FOI request the following:••

At least two (2) valid government I.D. with picture and signature of therequesting party.
If the request is made through representative, in addition to the above
paragraph, the written authorization of the principal and at least two (2)valid government I.D.s with picture and signature of such
representative.

1.5. In case the requesting party is unable to make a written request, because ofilliteracy or due to being a person with disability, he or she may make an oral
request, and the FRO shall reduce it in writing and shall thereafter be thumbmarked by the requesting party.
1.6. The request shall be stamped received by the FRO, indicating the date andtime of the receipt of the written request, and the name, rank, title and positionof the public officer who actually received it, with a corresponding signature
and a copy, furnished to the requesting party. In case of email requests, theemail shall be printed out and shall follow the procedure mentioned above, and7

be acknowledged by electronic mail. The FRO shall input the details of therequest on the Request Tracking System and allocate a reference number.
1.7. PCSO and its Extension and Branch Offices must respond to requests
promptly, within the fifteenth (15) working day following the date of receipt of
the request. A working day is any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day
which is declared a national public holiday in the Philippines. In computing forthe period, Art. 13 of the New Civil Code shall be observed.
The date of receipt of the request will be either:a. The day on which the request is physically or electronicallydelivered to PCSO, or directly into the email inbox of a memberof staff; orb. If PCSO has asked the requesting party for further details to
identify and locate the requested information, the date on which
the necessary clarification is received.
An exception to this will be where the request has been emailed to an
absent member of staff, and this has generated an ‘out of office’message with instructions on how to re-direct the message to anothercontact. Where this is the case, the date of receipt will be the day therequest arrives in the inbox of that contact.
Should the requested information need further details to identify or
locate, then the 15 working days will commence the day after it receives
the required clarification from the requesting party. If no clarification isreceived from the requesting party after sixty (60) calendar days, therequest shall be closed.
2. Initial Evaluation. After receipt of the request for information, the FRO shallevaluate the contents of the request.
2.1. Request relating to more than one office under PCSO: If a request for
information is received which requires to be complied with, of different PCSO
Extension and/or Branch Offices, the FRO shall forward such request to thesaid Extension and/or Branch Office concerned and ensure that it is wellcoordinated and monitor its compliance. The FRO shall also clear with therespective FROs of such Extension and/or Branch Office that they will only
provide the specific information that relates to their offices.
If a request for information is received which requires to be complied with, ofdifferent offices/departments, the FRO shall forward such request to thedesignated local FRO concerned and ensure that it is well coordinate andmonitor its compliance.
2.2. Requested information is not in the custody of PCSO or any of its
Extension or Branch Offices: If the requested information is not in thecustody of PCSO or any of its Extension or Branch Offices, following referraland discussions with the FDM, the FRO shall undertake the following steps:•

If the records requested refer to another department, the request will be
immediately transferred to such appropriate department through themost expeditious manner and the transferring office must inform therequesting party that the information is not held within the 15 working

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day limit. The 15 working day requirement for the receiving officecommences the day after it receives the request.
•

If the records refer to an office not within the coverage of E.O. No. 2,
the requesting party shall be advised accordingly and provided with thecontact details of that office, if known.

2.3. Requested information is already posted and available on-line: Should theinformation being requested is already posted and publicly available in the
PCSO website, data.gov.ph or foi.gov.ph, the FRO shall inform the requesting
party of the said fact and provide them the website link where the informationis posted.
2.4. Requested information is substantially similar or identical to theprevious request: Should the requested information be substantially similar
or identical to a previous request by the same requesting party, the request
shall be denied. However, the FRO shall inform the applicant of the reason ofsuch denial.
2.5. Requested information is not in the custody of PCSO or any of its
Extension or Branch Offices (government agency 1 or GA1), but isavailable in another government agency (government agency 2 or GA2)
under Executive Branch: The request shall be immediately referred by FRO
to GA2 through the most expeditious manner but not exceeding three (3)working days from receipt of the request. (FOI-MC No. 21-05 attached as
Annex F). The FRO of the GA1 shall forward the request to the FRO of theGA2 through email. The FRO shall notify the requestor on the referral and must
be provided with the reason or rationale thereof, and contact details of thegovernment office where the request was referred.
3. Transmittal of Request by the FRO to the FDM: After receipt of the request for
information, the FRO shall evaluate the information being requested, and notify the
FDM of such request. The copy of the request shall be forwarded to such FDM withinone (1) day from receipt of the written request. The FRO shall record the date, timeand name of the FDM who received the request in a record book with thecorresponding signature of acknowledgement of receipt of the request.
4. Role of FDM in processing the request: Upon receipt of the request for
information from the FRO, the FDM shall assess and clarify the request if necessary.
He or she shall make all necessary steps to locate and retrieve the information
requested. The FDM shall ensure that the complete information requested besubmitted to the FRO within ten (10) working days upon receipt of such request.
The FRO shall note the date and time of receipt of the information from the FDM
and report to the concerned AGM or DM, in case the submission is beyond the 10day period.
If the FDM needs further details to identify or locate the information, he shall, throughthe FRO, seek clarification from the requesting party. The clarification shall stop therunning of the 15 working day period and will commence the day after it receives
the required clarification from the requesting party.
If the FDM determines that a record contains information of interest to another office,the FDM shall consult with the agency concerned on the disclosability of the records
before making any final determination.

95. Role of FRO to transmit the information to the requesting party: Upon receiptof the requested information from the FDM, the FRO shall collate and ensure thatthe information is complete. He/She shall attach a cover/transmittal letter signed by
the concerned AGM or DM and ensure the transmittal of such to the requesting party
within 15 working days upon receipt of the request for information.
6. Request for an Extension of Time: If the information requested requires extensive
search of the government’s office records facilities, examination of voluminousrecords, the occurrence of fortuitous events or other analogous cases, the FDM
should inform the FRO.
The FRO shall inform the requesting party of the extension, setting forth the reasonsfor such extension. In no case shall the extension exceed twenty (20) working days
on top of the mandated fifteen (15) working days to act on the request, unlessexceptional circumstances warrant a longer period.
7. Notice to the Requesting Party of the Approval/Denial of the Request: Once
the FDM approved or denied the request, he/she shall immediately notify the FRO
who shall prepare the response to the requesting party either in writing or by email.
All actions on FOI requests, whether approval or denial, shall pass through theconcerned AGM or DM for approval.
8. Approval of Request: In case of approval, the FRO shall ensure that all records
that have been retrieved and considered be checked for possible exemptions, priorto actual release. The FRO shall prepare the letter or email informing the requesting
party within the prescribed period that the request was granted and be directed to
pay the applicable fees, if any.
If part of the requested information may not be disclosed, the request shall be
partially granted and the FDM will only provide the information that may bedisclosed. In his or her Notice of Approval, the FDM shall inform which
information may not be disclosed and the reasons thereof.
9. Denial of Request: In case of denial of the request wholly or partially, the FRO
shall, within the prescribed period, notify the requesting party of the denial in writing.
The notice shall clearly set forth the ground or grounds for denial and thecircumstances on which the denial is based. Failure to notify the requesting party of
the action taken on the request within the period herein provided shall be deemed adenial of the request to information. All denials on FOI requests shall pass throughthe GM or designated Official.

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SECTION 5. STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR eFOI REQUEST
1. Receipt of Request for Information.
1.1. The FRO shall accept the request for information from the requesting party
through the eFOI Portal and check compliance of the following requirements:●●●

The request shall state the name and contact information of therequesting party, as well as scanned copies of valid proof ofidentification and/ or authorization;
The request shall reasonably describe the information requested;
The reason for, or purpose of the request for information.

1.2. The purpose of the request for information shall be specific or adequately andsufficiently described. General averments of the purpose such as “forinformation,” “for research,” for legal purpose,” or other similarly worded
purposes shall not be considered to have met the requirements of specificity.
Failure to specify the reason for or purpose of the request for information,
despite request by the FRO to provide a specific reason or purpose, shall bea ground for denial of the FOI request.
1.3. The requesting party shall attach to his or her eFOI request the following:••

Scanned copies of at least two (2) valid government I.D.s with pictureand signature of the requesting party;
If the request is made through representative, in addition to the above
paragraph, scanned or soft copies of the written authorization by theprincipal and scanned copies of at least two (2) valid government I.D.s
with picture and signature of such representative.

1.4. The FRO in main office shall respond promptly, within fifteen (15) working days
following the date of receipt of the request. A working day is any day otherthan a Saturday, Sunday or a day which is declared a national public holiday
in the Philippines. In computing for the period, Art. 13 of the New Civil Codeshall be observed.
The date of receipt of the request will be either:••

The day on which the request is received by the FRO through eFOI
Portal; orIf the FRO or the FDM had asked the requesting party for further details
to identify and locate the requested information, the date on which
necessary clarification is received.

1.5. Should the FRO or FDM need further details to identify or locate the requested
information, then the fifteen (15) working days will commence the day after theElectronic FOI Receiving Officer (eFRO) of FDM receives the required
clarification from the requesting party. If no clarification is received from therequesting party after sixty (60) calendar days, the request shall be deemed
denied and considered closed and terminated.
1.6. For clarity, the period to respond to an eFOI request shall not commence
unless the request is a fully compliant eFOI request.
1.7. If the requested information is not in the custody of PCSO or any of its
Extension or Branch Offices (government agency 1 or GA1) but is available inanother government agency (government agency 2 or GA2) under Executive
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Branch, the request shall be immediately referred by FRO to GA2 through themost expeditious manner but not exceeding three (3) working days fromreceipt of the request to the eFOI portal. (FOI-MC No. 21-05 attached as Annex
F).
2. Initial Evaluation. After receipt of the request for information, the FRO shallevaluate the contents of the request.
2.1. Request relating to more than one office under PCSO: If a request for
information is received which requires to be complied with, of different PCSO
Extension and/or Branch Offices, the FRO shall forward such request to thesaid Extension and/or Branch Office concerned and ensure that it is wellcoordinated and monitor its compliance. The FRO shall also clear with therespective FROs of such Extension and/or Branch Office that they will only
provide the specific information that relates to their offices.
If a request for information is received which requires to be complied with, ofdifferent offices/departments, the FRO shall forward such request to thedesignated local FRO concerned and ensure that it is well coordinate andmonitor its compliance.
2.2. The FRO may deny the request based on the following grounds:
a. The form of the request is incomplete (e.g. no purpose or purpose lackspecificity, incomplete name, contact number or address, lacks valid
proof of identification/ authorization, as the case may be);b. The requesting party made material misrepresentations in his request;
c. If PCSO or any of its Extension or Branch Offices as GA3 does not havecustody of the requested information;d. The request is unreasonable, subsequent identical or substantiallysimilar to previous request by same requesting party and has alreadybeen granted or denied by the PCSO;
e. If the requested information falls under the list of exceptions under
Annex D and D-1.
2.3. If the FRO needs further details to identify or locate the information, the FRO
shall seek clarification from the requesting party. The request for clarification
shall stop the running of the fifteen (15) working day period. Upon the receiptof the required clarification from the requesting party, a fresh 15 working day
period shall commence.
3. Transmittal of Request by the FRO to the FDM: Upon approval of a request for
information, the FRO shall accept the request and transmit it to the FDM/s
concerned via the eFOI portal. The request shall be transmitted to the concerned
FDM within one (1) day from receipt and the requesting party shall be transferred to
the FDM who shall communicate with the requesting party directly. In line with this,the FRO shall inform the FDMs concerned for the designated eFOi account toaccess the eFOi platform.
If access to the eFOI postal by the FDM is not possible, the FRO shall manually
forward the eFOI request to the FDM/s concerned within one (1) day from receipt.
4. Role of FDM in processing the request: Upon receipt of the request for
information from the FRO, the FDM shall assess and clarify the request if necessary.
He or she shall make all necessary steps to locate and retrieve the information12

requested. The FDM shall ensure that the complete information requested besubmitted to the requesting party within fifteen (15) working days from submissionof the request. In case the FDM has no access to the eFOI portal, the FDM shallensure that the complete information requested be submitted to the FRO within ten(10) working days upon receipt of such request from the FRO.
If the FDM determines that a record contains information of interest to another office,the FDM shall consult with the agency concerned on the disclosability of the records
before making any final determination.
5. Request for an Extension of Time: If the information requested requires extensive
search of the government’s office records facilities, examination of voluminousrecords, the occurrence of fortuitous events or other analogous cases, the FDM
should inform the FRO.
The FRO shall inform the requesting party of the extension, setting forth the reasonsfor such extension. In no case shall the extension exceed twenty (20) working days
on top of the mandated fifteen (15) working days to act on the request, unlessexceptional circumstances warrant a longer period.
If access to the eFOI Portal by the FDM is not possible, he shall submit his request
for extension to the FRO manually, within the (10) days from receipt of the eFOI
request from FRO, who in turn shall inform the requesting party.
If no case shall the extension exceed twenty (20) working days on top of themandated fifteen (15) working days to act on the request, unless exceptional
circumstances warrant a longer period.
6. Notice to the Requesting Party of the Approval/Denial of the Request: Once
the FDM approved or denied the request, the FDM shall send his or her decision to
the requesting party through the eFOI Portal within fifteen (15) working days from
submission of the request. If access to the eFOi Portal by the FDM is not possible,
he shall submit his decision to the FRO manually, within ten (10) days from receiptof the eFOI request from the FRO, who in turn shall inform the requesting party.
7. Approval of Request: In case of approval, the FDM shall advise the requesting
party of such approval with the requested information included.
Should the information being requested is already posted and publicly available in
the PCSO’s website, the FDM shall grant the request and his or her written
response, inform the requesting party of said fact while providing them the website
link where the information is posted.
If part of the requested information may not be disclosed, the request shall be
partially granted and the FDM will only provide the information that may bedisclosed. In his or her Notice of Approval, the FDM shall inform which information
may not be disclosed and the reasons thereof.
8. Denial of Request: In case of denial of the request wholly or partially, the FRO
shall, within the prescribed period, notify the requesting party of the denial in writing.
The notice shall clearly set forth the ground or grounds for denial and thecircumstances on which the denial is based. Failure to notify the requesting party of
the action taken on the request within the period herein provided shall be deemed adenial of the request to information. All denials on FOI requests shall pass throughthe GM or designated Official.

13

SECTION 6. REMEDIES IN CASE OF DENIAL
A person whose request for access to information has been denied may avail himself ofthe remedy set forth below:
1. Administrative FOI Appeal to the PCSO Office of the General Manager: Provided,that the written appeal must be filed by the same requesting party within fifteen(15) calendar days from the notice of denial or from the lapse of the period to
respond to the request.
a. Denial of the Appeal by the AGM, Department Managers or BranchManagers may be appealed by filing a written appeal to the Office of theGeneral Manager within fifteen (15) calendar days from the notice of denialor from the lapse of the period to respond to the request.
b. The appeal shall be decided by the PCSO GM. Failure to decide within the
30-day period shall be deemed a denial of the appeal.
c. The requesting party shall state the reason/s why the FOI request shouldhave been granted and attach to it all supporting documents including a
copy of the Notice of Denial/ Partial Denial.
d. The FRO shall then elevate the appeal and all the records concerning therequest to the Office of the General Manager.
e. The denial of the appeal by Office of the General Manager shall beconsidered final, and the requesting party may file the appropriate judicial
action in accordance with the Rules of Court.
f. The Office of the General Manager shall then transmit to the FRO
concerned its decision, together with all the records of the request. The FRO
shall then notify the requesting party of the decision within thirty (30) days
from the filing of the appeal.

14

SECTION 7. REQUEST TRACKING SYSTEMPCSO, through the Information Technology Services Department, shall establish asystem to trace the status of all requests for information received by it, which may be
paper-based, on-line or both.
All FOI requests received manually shall be given a reference number indicating theoffice or division of the FRO who received the FOI requests. The FRO shall recordand constantly updated the status of the request.
eFOI requests shall be recorded accordingly by the FRO who shall keep track of its
status.
Unless otherwise amended, the table below shall be the recommended format for
tracking FOI/eFOI Requests:

15

SECTION 8. FEES
1. No Request Fee. PCSO shall not charge any fee for accepting requests for accessto information.
2. Reasonable Cost of Reproduction and Copying of the Information: The FRO
shall immediately notify the requesting party in case there shall be a reproduction andcopying fee in order to provide the information. Such fee shall be the actual amountspent by the PCSO in providing the information to the requesting party. The scheduleof fees shall be posted by the PCSO.
3. Exemption from Fees: PCSO may exempt any requesting party from payment offees, upon request stating the valid reason why such requesting party shall not pay
the fee.

16

SECTION 9. ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY
1. Non-compliance with FOI. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Manual
shall be a ground for the following administrative penalties:
a. 1st Offense
b. 2nd Offense
c. 3rd Offense-

Reprimand;
Suspension of one (1) to thirty (30) days; andDismissal from the service.

2. Procedure. The Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service shall beapplicable in the disposition of cases under this Manual.
3. Provisions for More Stringent Laws, Rules and Regulations. Nothing in thisManual shall be construed to derogate from any law, any rules, or regulationprescribed by any body or agency, which provides for more stringent penalties.

17

ANNEX A: FOI FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSIntroduction to FOI
1.

What is FOI?
Freedom of Information (FOI) is the government’s response to the call fortransparency and full public disclosure of information. FOI is a government
mechanism which allows Filipino citizens to request any information about the
government transactions and operations, provided that it shall not put into jeopardy
privacy and matters of national security.
The FOI mechanism for the Executive Branch is enabled via Executive Order No.
2, series of 2016.

2.

What is Executive Order No. 2 S. 2016?
Executive Order No. 2 is the enabling order for FOI. EO 2 operationalizes in the
Executive Branch the People’s Constitutional right to information. EO 2 also
provides the State policies to full public disclosure and transparency in the public
service.
EO 2 was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 23, 2016.

3.

Who oversees the implementation of EO 2?
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) oversees theoperation of the FOI program. PCOO serves as the coordinator of all government
agencies to ensure that the FOI program is properly implemented.

Making a Request
4.

Who can make an FOI request?
Any Filipino citizen can make an FOI Request. As a matter of policy, requestors are
required to present proof of identification.

5.

What can I ask for under EO on FOI?
Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining
to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data
used as basis for policy development.

6.

What agencies can we ask information?
An FOI request under EO 2 can be made before all government offices under the
Executive Branch, including government owned or controlled corporations(GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs).
FOI requests must be sent to the specific agency of interest, to be received by its
respective Receiving Officer.

7.

How do I make an FOI request?

18

a. The requestor is to fill up a request form and submits to the agency’s Receiving
Officer. The Receiving Officer shall validate the request and logs it accordingly on
the FOI tracker.
b. If deemed necessary, the Receiving Officer may clarify the request on the same
day it was filed, such as specifying the information requested, and providing otherassistance needed by the Requestor.
c. The request is forwarded to the Decision Maker for proper assessment. The
Decision Maker shall check if the agency holds the information requested, if it isalready accessible, or if the request is a repeat of any previous request.
d. The request shall be forwarded to the officials involved to locate the requested
information.
e. Once all relevant information is retrieved, officials will check if any exemptions
apply, and will recommend appropriate response to the request.
f. If necessary, the head of the agency shall provide clearance to the response.
g. The agency shall prepare the information for release, based on the desired formatof the Requestor. It shall be sent to the Requestor depending on the receipt
preference.
8.

How much does it cost to make an FOI request?
There are no fees to make a request. But the agency may charge a reasonable fee
for necessary costs, including costs of printing, reproduction and/or photocopying.

9.

What will I receive in response to an FOI request?
You will be receiving a response either granting or denying your request.
If the request is granted, the information requested will be attached, using a format
that you specified. Otherwise, the agency will explain why the request was denied.

10. How long will it take before I get a response?
It is mandated that all replies shall be sent fifteen (15) working days after the receiptof the request. The agency will be sending a response, informing of an extensionof processing period no longer than twenty (20) working days, should the needarise.
11. What if I never get a response?
If the agency fails to provide a response within the required fifteen (15) working
days, the Requestor may write an appeal letter to the Central Appeals and Review
Committee within fifteen (15) working days from the lapse of required response
period. The appeal shall be decided within thirty (30) working days by the Central
Appeals and Review Committee.
If all administrative remedies are exhausted and no resolution is provided,
requestors may file the appropriate case in the proper courts in accordance with
the Rules of Court.
12. What will happen if my request is not granted?
If you are not satisfied with the response, the Requestor may write an appeal letterto the Central Appeals and Review Committee within fifteen (15) working days fromthe lapse of the required response period. The appeal shall be decided within thirty(30) working days by the Central Appeals and Review Committee.

19

If all administrative remedies are exhausted and no resolution is provided,
requestors may file the appropriate case in the proper courts in accordance with theRules of Court.

20

ANNEX B: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02
MALACAÑAN PALACEMANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINESEXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02
OPERATIONALIZING IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH THE PEOPLE’S
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND THE STATE POLICIES TO FULL
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE ANDPROVIDING GUIDELINES THEREFOR

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the State adopts
and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public
interest, subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law;
WHEREAS, Section 7, Article III of the Constitution guarantees the right of the people toinformation on matters of public concern;
WHEREAS, the incorporation of this right in the Constitution is a recognition of thefundamental role of free and open exchange of information in a democracy, meant toenhance transparency and accountability in government official acts, transactions, ordecisions;
WHEREAS, the Executive Branch recognizes the urgent need to operationalize these
Constitutional provisions;
WHEREAS, the President, under Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution, has control
over all executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the duty to ensure that the laws
be faithfully executed;
WHEREAS, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173), including its implementing Rules
and Regulations, strengthens the fundamental human right of privacy, and ofcommunication while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation andgrowth;NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, byvirtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:
SECTION 1. Definition. For the purpose of this Executive Order, the following terms shallmean:(a) “Information” shall mean any records, documents, papers, reports, letters,
contracts, minutes and transcripts of official meetings, maps, books,
photographs, data, research materials, films, sound and video recording,magnetic or other tapes, electronic data, computer stored data, any other likeor similar data or materials recorded, stored or archived in whatever format,
whether offline or online, which are made, received, or kept in or under thecontrol and custody of any government office pursuant to law, executive order,
and rules and regulations or in connection with the performance or transactionof official business by any government office.

21

(b) “Official record/records” shall refer to information produced or received by apublic officer or employee, or by a government office in an official capacity or
pursuant to a public function or duty.
(c) “Public record/records” shall include information required by laws, executive
orders, rules, or regulations to be entered, kept and made publicly available bya government office.
SECTION 2. Coverage. This order shall cover all government offices under the Executive
Branch, including but not limited to the national government and all its offices,
departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges. Local government units(LGUs) are encouraged to observe and be guided by this Order.
SECTION 3. Access to information. Every Filipino shall have access to information,
official records, public records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts,
transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy
development.
SECTION 4. Exception. Access to information shall be denied when the information falls
under any of the exceptions enshrined in the Constitution, existing law or jurisprudence.
The Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General are hereby directed toprepare an inventory of such exceptions and submit the same to the Office of the
President within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of effectivity of this Order.
The Office of the President shall thereafter, immediately circularize the inventory of
exceptions for the guidance of all government offices and instrumentalities covered bythis Order and the general public.
Said inventory of exceptions shall periodically be updated to properly reflect any change
in existing law and jurisprudence and the Department of Justice and the Office of the
Solicitor General are directed to update the inventory of exceptions as the need to do soarises, for circularization as hereinabove stated.
SECTION 5. Availability of SALN. Subject to the provisions contained in Sections 3 and
4 of this Order, all public officials are reminded of their obligation to file and make available
for scrutiny their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) in accordancewith existing laws, rules and regulations, and the spirit and letter of this Order.
SECTION 6. Application and Interpretation. There shall be a legal presumption in favorof access to information, public records and official records. No request for information
shall be denied unless it clearly falls under any of the exceptions listed in the inventory or
updated inventory of exceptions circularized by the Office of the President provided in thepreceding section.
The determination of the applicability of any of the exceptions to the request shall be theresponsibility of the Head of the Office, which is in custody or control of the information,
public record or official record, or the responsible central or field officer duly designatedby him in writing.
In making such determination, the Head of the Office or his designated officer shall
exercise reasonable diligence to ensure that no exception shall be used or availed of todeny any request for information or access to public records, or official records if thedenial is intended primarily and purposely to cover up a crime, wrongdoing, graft or
corruption.

22

SECTION 7.Protection of Privacy. While providing access to information, publicrecords, and official records, responsible officials shall afford full protection to the rightto privacy of the individual as follows:(a) Each government office per Section 2 hereof shall ensure that personal
information in its custody or under its control is disclosed or released only if it
is material or relevant to the subject matter of the request and its disclosure ispermissible under this order or existing law, rules or regulations;(b) Each government office must protect personal information in its custody orcontrol by making reasonable security arrangements against leaks orpremature disclosure of personal information, which unduly exposes theindividual, whose personal information is requested, to vilification, harassment
or any other wrongful acts.
(c) Any employee, official or director of a government office per Section 2 hereof
who has access, authorized or unauthorized, to personal information in thecustody of the office, must not disclose that information except whenauthorized under this order or pursuant to existing laws, rules or regulation.
SECTION 8. People’s Freedom to Information (FOI) Manual. For the effective
implementation of this Order, every government office is directed to prepare within one
hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the effectivity of this Order, its own People’s
FOI Manual, which shall include among others the following provisions:(a) The location and contact information of the head, regional, provincial, and field
offices, and other established places where the public can obtain informationor submit requests;(b) The person or office responsible for receiving requests for information;(c) The procedure for the filing and processing of the request as specified in the
succeeding section 9 of this Order.

(d) The standard forms for the submission of requests and for the proper
acknowledgment of requests;(e) The process for the disposition of requests;(e) The procedure for the administrative appeal of any denial for access to
information; and(g) The schedule of applicable fees.
SECTION 9. Procedure. The following procedure shall govern the filing and processingof request for access to information:(a) Any person who requests access to information shall submit a written request
to the government office concerned. The request shall state the name andcontact information of the requesting party, provide valid proof of his
identification or authorization, reasonably describe the information requested,
and the reason for, or purpose of, the request for information: Provided, thatno request shall be denied or refused acceptance unless the reason for therequest is contrary to law, existing rules and regulations or it is one of the
exceptions contained in the inventory or updated inventory of exception ashereinabove provided.
23

(b) The public official receiving the request shall provide reasonable assistance,
free of charge, to enable, to enable all requesting parties and particularly thosewith special needs, to comply with the request requirements under thisSection.
(c) The request shall be stamped by the government office, indicating the date
and time of receipt and the name, rank, title and position of the receiving public
officer or employee with the corresponding signature, and a copy thereof
furnished to the requesting party. Each government office shall establish asystem to trace the status of all requests for information received by it.
(d) The government office shall respond to a request fully compliant withrequirements of sub-section (a) hereof as soon as practicable but notexceeding fifteen (15) working days from the receipt thereof. The response
mentioned above refers to the decision of the agency or office concerned to
grant or deny access to the information requested.
(e) The period to respond may be extended whenever the information requested
requires extensive search of the government office’s records facilities,
examination of voluminous records, the occurrence of fortuitous cases or otheranalogous cases. The government office shall notify the person making therequest of the extension, setting forth the reasons for such extension. In nocase shall the extension go beyond twenty (20) working days unlessexceptional circumstances warrant a longer period.
(f) Once a decision is made to grant the request, the person making the request
shall be notified of such decision and directed to pay any applicable fees.
SECTION 10. Fees. Government offices shall not charge any fee for accepting requests
for access to information. They may, however, charge a reasonable fee to reimburse
necessary costs, including actual costs of reproduction and copying of the information
required, subject to existing rules and regulations. In no case shall the applicable fees be
so onerous as to defeat the purpose of this Order.
SECTION 11. Identical or Substantially Similar Requests. The government office shallnot be required to act upon an unreasonable subsequent identical or substantially similar
request from the same requesting party whose request from the same requesting party
whose request has already been previously granted or denied by the same government
office.
SECTION 12. Notice of Denial. If the government office decides to deny the request, inwhole or in part, it shall as soon as practicable, in any case within fifteen (15) working
days from the receipt of the request, notify the requesting party the denial in writing. The
notice shall clearly set forth the ground or grounds for denial and the circumstances on
which the denial is based. Failure to notify the requesting party of the action taken on therequest within the period herein stipulated shall be deemed a denial of the request foraccess to information.
SECTION 13. Remedies in Cases of Denial of Request for Access to Information.
(a) Denial of any request for access to information may be appealed to the personor office next higher in the authority, following the procedure mentioned in
Section 9 of this Order: Provided, that the written appeal must be filed by thesame person making the request within fifteen (15) working days from thenotice of denial or from the lapse of the relevant period to respond to therequest.
24

(b) The appeal be decided by the person or office next higher in authority within
thirty (30) working days from the filing of said written appeal. Failure of such
person or office to decide within the afore-stated period shall be deemed adenial of the appeal.
(c) Upon exhaustion of administrative appeal remedies, the requesting part may
file the appropriate case in the proper courts in accordance with the Rules of
Court.
SECTION 14. Keeping of Records. Subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations,
government offices shall create and/or maintain accurate and reasonably complete
records of important information in appropriate formats, and implement a records
management system that facilitates easy identification, retrieval and communication of
information to the public.
SECTION 15. Administrative Liability. Failure to comply with the provisions of thisOrder may be a ground for administrative and disciplinary sanctions against any erring
public officer or employee as provided under existing laws or regulations.
SECTION 16. Implementing Details. All government offices in the Executive Branch are
directed to formulate their respective implementing details taking into consideration theirmandates and the nature of information in their custody or control, within one hundred
twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Order.
SECTION 17. Separability Clause. If any section or part of this Order is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shallremain in full force or effect.
SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. All orders, rules and regulations, issuances or any part
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby repealed,amended or modified accordingly: Provided, that the provisions of Memorandum CircularNo. 78 (s. 1964), as amended, shall not be deemed repealed pending further review.
SECTION 19. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in a
newspaper of general circulation.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of July in the year of our Lord two thousandand sixteen.
(Sgd.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President of the Philippines
By the President:(Sgd.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA
Executive Secretary25

ANNEX C: FOI OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE
Contact Details
Position

General Manager
Assistant General Manager,
Administrative Sector
Assistant General Manager,
Branch Operations Sector
Manager,
General Services Department
Manager,
Legal Department
Manager,National Capital Region (NCR)
Department
Office of the General Manager
Assistant General Manager,
Management Services Sector

Location of FOI Receiving Office
FOI Champion
4/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552
FOI Decision Makers (FDMs)
10/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552
2/F Shaw Plaza One and Two Buildings, Shaw
Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552
Alternate Decision Makers
11/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552
9/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552
2/F Shaw Plaza One and Two Buildings, Shaw
Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552

Telephone/
Fax

Email Address(02) 8650-0462(02) 8650-0094

ogm@pcso.gov.ph(02) 8706-2638

oagmadmin@pcso.gov.ph(02) 8706-7571

oagmbos@pcso.gov.ph(02) 8706-5711

gsd@pcso.gov.ph(02) 8706-4371

legal@pcso.gov.ph(02) 8706-6692

FOI Central Appeals and Review (FOI CAR)
4/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street(02) 8650-0462
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552 (02) 8650-0094
FOI Committee
3/F, Sun Plaza Building, 1507 Princeton Street(02) 8846-8790
corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City 1552

26

ncr@pcso.gov.ph

ogm@pcso.gov.ph

lpatiag@pcso.gov.ph

ANNEX C-1: FOI RECEIVING OFFICERS OF THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE
Location of FOI Receiving OfficeTelephone/ Fax

Email Address

PCSO Head OfficeCentral Records and Library Division
General Services Department
11/F Sun Plaza Building, Shaw
Boulevard cor. Princeton St.,
Mandaluyong City

(02) 8706-9085

crld@pcso.gov.phRecords Officer IV/ LibrarianIII

PCSO Manila
Extension Office

Security and Production Department
San Marcelino, Ermita, Manila(02) 8522-4613(02) 8522-1187

freyes@pcso.gov.phsangiljunett@yahoo.com

Fredalen L. Reyes
Records Officer III/
Junett K. Sangil
OIC-Division Chief/PPCO IV

ApayaoAuroraBenguetCagayanIlocos Norte (B)Ilocos Sur (C)IsabelaContact Details

Assigned FOI Receiving
OfficerName of Agency

NORTHERN AND CENTRAL LUZON (NCL)
3F Government Center, San Isidro Sur,None
apayao@pcso.gov.ph
Luna, Apayao
Old Hospital Building, San Luis St.,(042) 724-0165
aurora@pcso.gov.phBrgy 5, Baler, Aurora
PPC Building, Post Office Loop, Upper(074)620-4596
benguet@pcso.gov.phSession Road, Baguio City, Benguet
CVMC Compound, Carig Sur,
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan(078) 377-4101

cagayanvalley@pcso.gov.ph

G/F Municipal Trial Court Building,Brgy. 3, San Ildefonso, San Nicolas,
Ilocos Norte(077)670-7928

ilocosnorte@pcso.gov.ph(077) 674-13-40

ilocossur@pcso.gov.ph(078)652-3148

isabela@pcso.gov.ph

G/F Candon City Hall, Brgy. Calao-an,
Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Old RHU Building, Africano St.,
Cauayan, Isabela City, Isabela

27

Meldeezah A. Caypono
Acting CashierAngelita G. Avendano
Administrative Officer III
Juaymah Ngalatan
Acting Administrative Officer
Daisy-Diana A. Torrado
Acting Administrative Officer
III
Catherine Batara
Administrative Officer I
Elizabeth G. Posadas,
Administrative Officer III
Marie Fe Turingan
Administrative Officer III

Name of Agency

Location of FOI Receiving Office

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax

Email Address

Assigned FOI Receiving
Officer

La Union (B)G/F, Legislative Bldg.,San Juan, La
Union(072) 687-1364

launion@pcso.gov.phMary Cresha Mae L. Leal
Acting Administrative Officer
I

Mountain Province(C)

2nd Floor, Provincial Environment andNatural Resources-Extension Office
Sac-angan, Upper Caluttit, Bontoc,
Mountain Province0919 068 3717

mountainprovince@pcso.gov.ph

Evelio Andy S. Timario
Administrative Officer III

0923 577 1042

pangasinan@pcso.gov.ph

Pangasinan

Casiano Jimenez St., Poblacion,
Lingayen,Pangasinan

BataanProvincial Capitol Compound, San
Jose, Balanga City, Bataan(047) 240-4144

bataan@pcso.gov.ph

BulacanProvincial Capitol Compound, Malolos
City, Bulacan(044) 796-1395

bulacan@pcso.gov.ph

Nueva Ecija

Old Capitol Compound, Burgos Ave.,
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Pampanga

Malikhain St. Diosdado Macapagal
Government Center, Maimpis, City of
San Fernando, Pampanga

TarlacZambalesNueva Vizcaya (B)Marcos Type Building, Hospital Drive,
San Vicente, Tarlac City, Tarlac
2nd Floor Pag-asa Market, Gordon
Avenue, Olongapo City, Zambales
New LGU Building, LB Perez St., Don
Mariano Marcos, Bayombong, Nueva
Vizcaya(044)958-3048

nuevaecija@pcso.gov.ph(045) 402-6985

pampanga@pcso.gov.ph(045) 982-7199

tarlac@pcso.gov.ph(047)222-0797

zambales@pcso.gov.ph(078) 392-1649

nuevavizcaya@pcso.gov.ph28

Wenie G. Lopez
ActingAdministrative Officer III
Ma. Teresa M. Dimaano,
Acting Administrative Officer
III
Mary Carlita M. Paulino
Acting Administrative Officer
III
Joan Mariz M. Soliven Social
Worker Officer II
Deily Rosa Laresma
Administrative Officer III
Marsha L. Dancel, Acting
Administrative Officer III
Catherine P. Villegas
Acting Administrative Officer
Allan C. Ramirez
Driver/Courier

Name of Agency
Kalinga (C)Batangas
CaviteCatanduanes

LagunaMarinduque (B)Oriental Mindoro
Occidental Mindoro(C)
PalawanQuezonLocation of FOI Receiving Office
City Hall Compound, Dagupan Centro,
Tabuk City, Kalinga

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax

Email Address

0977 715 2057

kalinga@pcso.gov.ph

SOUTHERN TAGALOG AND BICOL REGION (STBR)Int B., Morada St., Brgy. I, Lipa City,(043)702-6728
batangas@pcso.gov.ph
Batangas
Blk-B L6 Progressive Ville Molino Road(046) 431-9263
cavite@pcso.gov.ph
Molino 2 Bacoor City
Cottage C, Easterb Bicol Medical
Center, San Insidro, Virac,(052) 740-5544
catanduanes@pcso.gov.ph
Catnaduanes
East Gate, Alonte Sports Arena, Brgy.
Zapote, Biñan City, Laguna
New Admin. Bldg., Capitol Compound,Brgy. Santol, Boac, MarinduqueCentro ng Kabataan Compound, Brgy.
Sta. Isabel, Calapan City
Brgy. Central San Jose, Occidental
Mindoro (opposite side fronting San
Jose District Hospital)
2nd floor, City Coliseum, Brgy. San
Pedro, National Highway, Puerto
Princesa
Quezon Trade and Investment Center
Building Brgy. Isabang, Tayabas City,
QuezonAssigned FOI Receiving
Officer
Beverly D. ElchicoCashier II
Brenda de Guzman
Acting Administrative Officer
Cherry Rose Ballestamon
Acting Administrative Officer
Margie A. Pecson
Cash Clerk IV(042) 332-0533

marinduque@pcso.gov.ph(043) 288-7487

orientalmindorobranch@pcso.g
ov.ph

Christine Margarita D.
Casillano
Acting Administrative Officer
III
John Bernard Luna
Financial Management
Officer I
Emery Joy R. Adame
Supply Officer I(043) 732 0184

occidentalmindorobranch@pcso.gov.phRowena Rebaldo
Acting Branch Manager/ABM

palawan@pcso.gov.phRolando Batislaong, JR.
Acting Cashierquezon@pcso.gov.phCamille Esperanza L.
Morales Acting
Administrative Officer(049)513-5252(048) 434-1178

09235446128/
09661534925

29

laguna@pcso.gov.phName of Agency

Rizal
Albay
Sorsogon (B)Camarines Sur
Camarines Norte (B)Masbate (C)Romblon (C)Location of FOI Receiving Office
G/F, GSO Bldg. Cainta Municipal Hall
compound, Cainta Rizal

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax
532-1723
532-1296

Assigned FOI Receiving
Officer

Email Address
rizal@pcso.gov.phJoffrey M. Ramirez
Administrative Officer III

albay@pcso.gov.ph

Ricardo Morata
Acting Administrative Officer

G/F, Capitol Annex Bldg.,Albay District
Legaspi City
Motorpool, Dr. Fernando B. Duran Sr.,
Hosp. Macaboy, Sorsogon City

(052) 742-1830

Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, Naga City(054) 884-1059

camsur@pcso.gov.ph

Provincial Capitol Compound, F.
Pimentel Ave., Daet, Camarines Norte
Masbate Provincial Hospital Building,Danao Street, Masbate Road, Masbate
City
Upper Ground Floor, Bldg. 1, Romblon
Provincial Hospital, Brgy. Liwanag,
Odiongan Romblon(054) 472-8937(054) 472-3961

camsur@pcso.gov.ph(056) 578-1527

masbate@pcso.gov.ph

Cherryl G. Dela Rosa
Social Welfare Officer I(042) 567-6328

romblon@pcso.gov.phKathy M. Foja
Acting Cashier(056) 578-1527

sorsogon@pcso.gov.ph

Charito G. Loilo
Acting Cahier
Julma Serrano
Administrative Officer III
Julma A. Serrano
Administrative Officer III

VISAYAS
Aklan (B)Lot 8 Block 3, Capitol Site Subdivision,
Brgy. Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan(036) 500-7406

aklanbranch@pcso.gov.phTherese Arden E. Pamintuan
Administrative Officer I

Antique (B)2/F, RHU Bldg. Brgy. Dalipe,, San Jose
Trade Town, San Jose, Antique

09177022813

antique@pcso.gov.ph

Jonah Mae Morales
Administrative Officer I(053) 500-9815

biliran@pcso.gov.ph(038)501-7011

bohol@pcso.gov.ph(036)651-6941

capiz@pcso.gov.phBiliran
Bohol
Capiz (B)

2nd Floor, Naval Mall, Brgy.
Santissimo Rosario, Naval, Biliran
New Capitol Compound, C. Marapao
St., Tagbilaran City, Bohol
G/F, Capiz Provincial Capitol, Capiz,
Magallanes St., Roxas City, Capiz

30

Myla M. Catadman
Administrative Officer I
Algy Romy B. Castañeda
Administrative Officer III
Joeffrey B. Dela Cruz
Administrative Officer IName of Agency

Cebu

Eastern Samar
Guimaras

Location of FOI Receiving Office

S. Osmeña St., North Reclamation
Area, Cebu City
Legislative Building, Capitol Site, Brgy.
Alang-alang, Borongan City, Eastern
Samar
Provincial Covered Gymnasium, Brgy.
San Miguel, JOrdan, Guimaras

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax

Email Address(032)231-7275(032)234-4145(032) 2341-4461

cebu@pcso.gov.ph(055) 560-9042

easternsamar@pcso.gov.ph(033) 322-5041

guimaras@pcso.gov.ph

IloiloIloilo Sports Complex, Magsaysay
Village, La Paz, Iloilo City

(033)330-1340

iloilo@pcso.gov.ph

Siquijor

Capitol Building, Polangyuta, Siquiror(035) 480 9099

pcsosiquijor@gmail.com(053) 862-0026

southernleyte@pcso.gov.ph(053)325-5120(053)321-3023

leyte@pcso.gov.ph(055)500-9644

northernsamar@pcso.gov.phSouthern Leyte (B)
LeyteNorthern Samar (B)Negros Occidental
Negros Oriental

Western Samar

City Wharf Bldg. Demetrio Abgao,
Maasin City, Southern Leyte
LMWDO Bldg. Justice Romualdez St,(back of Andoks Tac & beside PNB),
Tacloban City, Leyte
Provincial Capitol Complex Brgy.
Dalakit, Catarman, Northern SamarNatalio G. Velez Gym, A. Bonifacio
Street, Silay City, Negros Occidental
Gov. Perdeces Sports Complex,
Capitol Area, Dumaguete City, Negros
Oriental
Calbayog Convention Center, Brgy
Capoocan Highway, Calbayog
City,Samar(034)435-1883

negrosoccidental@pcso. gov.ph

Assigned FOI Receiving
OfficerSerwyn P. Hervas
ECET III
Anania P. Erroba
Acting Administrative Officer
I
Arnes M. DuranSWO-I/OIC - AO III
Adrian Mae C. Melliza
Acting Administrative Officer
Ignacio U. Cabauatan
OIC-Administrative Officer II
Bennett M. Ebio
Administrative Officer I
Rowena B. Torres
Acting Administrative Officer
Lester Trongcoso
FMO/ConcurrentAdministrati
ve Officer
Cornelio Vicente Umilin
Administrative Officer III(035)421-0861

negrosoriental@pcso.gov.ph

Ric Angelo Camacho
Administrative Officer III(055)209-1574

westernsamar@pcso.gov.phCathyrine Acuin
Acting Administrative Officer

31

Name of Agency

Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Bukidnon
Davao del Sur
Davao del Norte
Lanao del Norte
Misamis Oriental
South Cotabato

Location of FOI Receiving Office

City Hall Basement, Doongan, Butuan
City 8600
Capitol Complez, Patinay, Prosperidad,
Agusan del Sur
Provincial Capitol Compound,
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
G/F, Maharlika Center, J. P. Cabaguio
Ave., Davao City, Davao Del Sur
Gand Arena Building, J.P. Ayala
Avenue, New Tagum City Hall,
Apokon, tagum City
Senior Citizens Buidling, Barangay delCarmen, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
ABAP Bldg., Cor. Corales Ave. and
Mabuhay St., Cagayan de Oro City
General Santos City Hospital
Compound, E. Fernandez St., Lagao,
General Santos City

Surigao del Norte (B)Surigao del Norte Sports Complex,
Rizal St., Surigao City 8400

Surigao del Sur

Capitol of the South Brgy. Kahayag,
Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

Sultan Kudarat
Zamboanga delNorte (B)

Bonifacio Street, Tacurong City, Sultan
Kudarat
Old Provincial Hosp. Bldg., PDRRMO
Compound, Brgy. Biasong, Dipolog
City

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax
MINDANAO(085) 341-1717
loc. 101

Email Address
agusandelnorte@pcso.gov.ph(085 839-0322)

agusandelsur@pcso.gov.ph(088)813-5290

bukidnon@pcso.gov.ph(082)282-2445

davaodelsur@pcso.gov.ph(084) 218-9383;
0919-068-3760

davaodelnorte@pcso.gov.ph(063) 224-5508

lanaodelnorte@pcso.gov.ph(088) 857-1556

Assigned FOI Receiving
Officermisamisoriental@pcso.gov.phGhina Jala
Administrative Officer III
Ghina A. Jala
Administrative Officer III
Cyrelle Ann C. Lozano
Acting Administrative Officer
Donald Francis T. Remitar
ECET III
Kahlil C. Genota
Administrative Officer I
Uldarico C. Landero, Jr.
ECET III
Ray Atkins Zamayla
Acting Administrative Officer(083)301-2117(083)552-1179

southcotabato@pcso.gov.phCynthia Dayatan
Administrative Officer III(086)826-1848(086)826-1849
0917-5517653

surigaodelnorte@pcso.gov.phEric Napil
Administrative Officer III(086) 853-7111

surigaodelsur@pcso.gov.ph

0909-597-4466

sultankudarat@pcso.gov.ph(065) 908-1565

zamboangadelnorte@pcso.gov.
ph32

Sonia Eliza D. Alauya
Administrative Officer III/
Branch Head
Jessie L. De Vera
Driver Courier II
Walter Serrano
OIC-Branch Manager

Name of Agency

Zamboanga del Sur
Misamis Occidental(B)

Location of FOI Receiving Office
CGHR Bldg., Villalobos St.,Zone
IV, Zamboanga City
Agora Bus Terminal Complex,
Ozamiz City,Misamis Occidental

Contact Details
Telephone/ Fax

Email Address(062)993-1613

zamboangadelsur@pcso.gov.ph(088)545-1734

misamisoccidental@pcso.gov.phDavao Oriental (C)Former PENR Office, Capitol Hill, Mati,
Davao Oriental(087)811-3690

davaooriental@pcso.gov.ph

North Cotabato

Capitol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan
City(064) 572-6185

northcotabato@pcso.gov.ph

33

Assigned FOI Receiving
Officer
Pilarcita C. Florentes
OIC-Branch Manager
Leovy A. Loquias
Administrative Officer I
Linnie G. Del Cerna
Administrative Officer III/
Branch Head
Matias S. Polawon, Jr.
Branch Head

ANNEX D: LIST OF EXCEPTIONS
The following are the exceptions to the right of access to information, as recognized by theConstitution, existing laws, or jurisprudence:1
1. Information covered by Executive privilege;
2. Privileged information relating to national security, defense or international relations;
3. Information concerning law enforcement and protection of public and personal safety;
4. Information deemed confidential for the protection of the privacy of persons and certain
individuals such as minors, victims of crimes, or the accused;
5. Information, documents or records known by reason of official capacity and are deemed
as confidential, including those submitted or disclosed by entities to government
agencies, tribunals, boards, or officers, in relation to the performance of their functions,or to inquiries or investigation conducted by them in the exercise of their administrative,
regulatory or quasi-judicial powers;
6. Prejudicial premature disclosure;
7. Records of proceedings or information from proceedings which, pursuant to law or
relevant rules and regulations, are treated as confidential or privileged;
8. Matters considered confidential under banking and finance laws, and their amendatory
laws; and9. Other exceptions to the right to information under laws, jurisprudence, rules andregulations.

1

These exceptions only apply to governmental bodies within the control and supervision of the Executive
department. Unless specifically identified, these exceptions may be invoked by all officials, officers, or employees
in the Executive branch in possession of the relevant records or information.

34

ANNEX D-1: LIST OF PCSO EXCEPTIONS
1. Winner’s Profile Records (Soft and Hard Copies)
The Winner’s Profile Records contain the personal information of the Winners. Leakage
and information of these information to the public may endanger the lives and privacies of
the jackpot winners, unless the winners signify their consent.
2. Winning Ticket Information (All PCSO Game Products)
All PCSO Game System Reports containing the winning ticket information shall bemaintained with absolute confidentiality unless otherwise necessary in the event of aninvestigation, such as the Request for Ticket/Transaction Search and Verification. Leakage
and exposure of these information to the public may lead to illegal replications of winning
tickets for PCSO games.
3. Proposed Games
They shall fall under the exception as there is a risk that proprietary rights of the gaming
supplier may be exposed to cloning or sabotage by industry competitors.
4. Agent(s) Personal Sensitive Information
5. Agent(s) or terminal sales information report (Agency Accounting Activity Summary
Report)
6. Paid/Claimed Winning Tickets
Information and details of paid/claimed winning tickets shall be kept confidential unlessordered by court, Congress or for other legal proceedings/purpose.
7. Unclaimed Winning Tickets/Draw Profit and Loss for Expired Ticket
This report contains information details of the unclaimed winning tickets before forfeiture(for security purposes and to avoid duplication and future dubious claims)
8. Proprietary software applications utilized to run the online lottery gaming systems.
9. Ticket Serial Number (TSN)The TSN of all the online game variants that PCSO operates require proper handling.
Access to information on the TSN must be limited to authorized personnel only for security
reasons.
10. PCSO Officials, PCSO
records/information

Employees

and

Out-Patients’

healthandmedical

These should be kept confidential unless waived by the official/employee/patient.
11. Personal, health and medical records/information of IMAP client-patients unlesswaived by the concerned client-patient.
12. Personal and sensitive personal information of employees as defined under Section 2of this Manual35

ANNEX E: FOI REQUEST FORM

36

37

ANNEX F: FOI MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 21-05

38

39

40

41

42

ANNEX G: BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 095, s. 2023

43