04/02/2020 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly to public records is predicated on the right of the people to acquire information on matters of public concern since, undoubtedly, in a democracy, the pubic has a legitimate interest in matters of social and political significance. x x x The incorporation of this right in the Constitution is a recognition of the fundamental role of free exchange of information in a democracy. There can be no realistic perception by the public of the nation's problems, nor a meaningful democratic decision-making if they are denied access to information of general interest. Information is needed to enable the members of society to cope with the exigencies of the times. As has been aptly observed: "Maintaining the flow of such information depends on protection for both its acquisition and its dissemination since, if either process is interrupted, the flow inevitably ceases." x x x[111] In the same way that free discussion enables members of society to cope with the exigencies of their time, access to information of general interest aids the people in democratic decision-making by giving them a better perspective of the vital issues confronting the nation[112] so that they may be able to criticize and participate in the affairs of the government in a responsible, reasonable and effective manner. It is by ensuring an unfettered and uninhibited exchange of ideas among a well-informed public that a government remains responsive to the changes desired by the people. [113] The MOA-AD is a matter of public concern That the subject of the information sought in the present cases is a matter of public concern[114] faces no serious challenge. In fact, respondents admit that the MOA-AD is indeed of public concern.[115] In previous cases, the Court found that the regularity of real estate transactions entered in the Register of Deeds,[116] the need for adequate notice to the public of the various laws,[117] the civil service eligibility of a public employee,[118] the proper management of GSIS funds allegedly used to grant loans to public officials,[119] the recovery of the Marcoses' alleged ill-gotten wealth,[120] and the identity of party-list nominees,[121] among others, are matters of public concern. Undoubtedly, the MOA-AD subject of the present cases is of public concern, involving as it does the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State, which directly affects the lives of the public at large. Matters of public concern covered by the right to information include steps and negotiations leading to the consummation of the contract. In not distinguishing as to the executory nature or commercial character of agreements, the Court has categorically ruled: x x x [T]he right to information "contemplates inclusion of negotiations leading to the consummation of the transaction. " Certainly, a consummated contract is not a requirement for the exercise of the right to information. Otherwise, the people can never exercise the right if no contract is consummated, and if one is consummated, it may be too late for the public to expose its defects. Requiring a consummated contract will keep the public in the dark until the contract, which may be grossly disadvantageous to the government elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/47263 21/203