BASILAN — On his first day back in office, newly elected Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman wasted no time making clear his governance priorities: transparency, accountability, and people-centered leadership. In his inaugural speech at the Basilan Provincial Capitol, Hataman signed two landmark executive orders aimed at institutionalizing freedom of information and eliminating personality-driven politics in the province.
Hataman’s first official act was the issuance of Executive Order No. 1, establishing Basilan’s first-ever Freedom of Information (FOI) policy, which mandates transparency in all transactions of the provincial government. The order formally upholds the constitutional right of every Filipino to access public records and documents held by provincial departments, offices, and instrumentalities.
“This will be the foundation of a clean and honest government—where every transaction is transparent and every peso of public funds is accounted for,” Hataman said in Filipino. “This is where change begins—through clean processes and open, fair service.”
The FOI policy, modeled after Executive Order No. 2 issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, requires all government offices under the province to assign FOI Officers responsible for handling public information requests. Each office is also directed to maintain a log of requests and responses, and to proactively disclose key documents such as budgets, procurement plans, and the Annual Investment Program through the province’s official website and accessible platforms.
The EO outlines a standardized procedure for information requests, allowing both written and online submissions, and establishes an appeals process for denied requests. Exceptions are limited strictly to those already provided by law—such as matters involving national security or individual privacy. The Provincial Legal Office is tasked with coordinating with the Department of Justice to publish a publicly accessible list of such exceptions.
Hataman stressed that the policy is not merely symbolic but part of a concrete effort to build public trust. “The principles we have long stood for will now be reflected in policies and programs that will be implemented in my first 100 days,” he said.
To ensure long-term impact, EO No. 1 also calls for regular training of public officials and a province-wide public information campaign to educate citizens on their right to access government information. Compliance will be monitored by the Office of the Provincial Governor, with all departments required to submit regular reports.
Alongside the FOI order, Hataman also announced an executive directive banning the use of politicians’ names and faces on all government-funded projects—a clear stance against patronage politics and a reaffirmation of his reformist leadership.
“I will issue an Executive Order banning the use of my image in tarpaulins or materials related to government projects,” Hataman said. “Because every bridge, every road, every program does not come from me—it comes from the people’s money, the people’s taxes, the people’s dreams. So it should not say ‘Project of Mujiv’ but ‘Project of the People of Basilan.’”
Even before assuming office, Hataman had reportedly coordinated with several national agencies working in the province to ensure adherence to this policy.
A long-time advocate of good governance from his time as ARMM Governor to his stint in Congress, Hataman’s first actions in Basilan signal a decisive break from traditional politics and a renewed commitment to empowering citizens.
As he begins a new chapter in his leadership, Hataman’s message is clear: public office is a public trust, and the government must be answerable to the people it serves.