Different media practitioners in Iloilo expressed disappointment over the recent Memorandum Order released by the Commission on Audit (COA) -Central Office in Manila imposing strict guidelines in releasing public documents to the press.

The COA order dated March 22, 2012 addressed to its different sectors and regional offices was signed by Atty. Gilbert Kintanar, chief executive staff of the Office of the Chairperson.

The order stated that to centralize the incoming and outgoing communications related the COA Central Office or regional offices, requests for contact by members of the press under different agencies including interviews, publicity, or responding to publicity should be addressed to public information officer Rolando Macale while all complaints will be sent to COA-Citizen Desk also in Metro Manila.

DYRI radio reporter Joel Franco, also President of Iloilo City Hall Press Corps (ICHPC) said the public documents should be made easily accessible to the public and media cannot wait for the long process of waiting for the approval of COA Central Office.

"We have our duty to deliver the news fast and accurate," he said.

Almost the same reaction came from Elena Pabiona, president of the Iloilo Capitol Press Corps (ICPC). According to Pabiona, she understands that there are internal rules in every office just like COA but there should be no specification to whom they will not release the documents especially the fact that they mentioned the press.

"This action curtails freedom of information and the right of the public to know," she said.

On her part, Jezza Nepomoceno, president of the Department of Agriculture Press Corps (DAPC) said she believes that COA-Central Office has to reconsider their order because it will be contrary to transparency and the "Matuwid Na Daan" goal of the new administration.

Nepomoceno stressed that COA should also understand that the press acts like a watchdog just like them. Both should work hand-in-hand.*