Executive Privilege challenged

clipped from newsbreak.com.ph Access-to-info bill challenges Palace on executive privilege The sacrosanct doctrine of executive privilege that has been a consistent refuge by the executive branch in withholding certain information is under serious challenge by the Arroyo-controlled House of Representatives. The measure seeks to give meaning to the constitutional provision guaranteeing the people’s right to information of public concern the Bill of Rights, says: “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official 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, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to limitations as may be provided by law.” The measure “compels all government offices including Congress, judiciary and government-owned and controlled corporations to act on request for information within 10-15 days.”

It always escaped me too, why such a privilege should be invoked when we are supposed to be in a democracy.