Transparency is a concept in which an institution is open, honest, and clear about how it makes decisions, executes plans, conducts operations, and discloses information of public interest. Centered on the availability of information, it ensures that the public can easily find, read, and interpret the data. Through transparency, the government is held accountable and under public scrutiny, while citizens are empowered to exercise their rights, especially in verifying information and participating in decision-making processes.

A. Proactive Disclosure - The provision of information is readily available without citizens asking for it or before they do. This reduces potential delays and suspicions. The necessary documents and reports are also published on time. This urges institutions to act more responsibly when their actions are openly visible. 

B. User-friendly Formats -  When information is merely presented, it does not suffice. It must be easy to understand and presented simply for the general public to avoid confusion, not just for the benefit of stakeholders. In this way, more people can actively engage, make informed decisions, and participate in discussions.  

C. Public Consultations - The engagement of citizens does not just happen passively, such as when they read and understand the information. It is crucial that they are able to express their inputs as a way to meaningfully contribute before a decision is finalized and an activity is implemented. Being open to consultations builds an inclusive space and leads to well-informed decisions founded on democracy. 

D. Feedback Systems - Two-way communication between an institution and citizens creates an avenue for experiences, suggestions, and recommendations regarding outcomes. When continuously applied, an institution gains insights from those who have experienced real situations. Consequently, it allows responsiveness by improving services and immediately addressing concerns. 

• The commitment to transparency is a pledge to preventing fraudulent conduct by those in power and authority, strengthening accountability, and building public trust in institutions. Because it is focused on transparent procedures such as transactions that value public disclosure, it does not tolerate the following:

1. Manipulation of  Decisions

2. Demand of Bribes

3.  Favor to Certain Individuals
   
   

• Transparency promotes accountability and responsible governance when citizens can monitor an institution's actions and evaluate whether public officials are fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. The pressure that a visibility transforms into is the  responsible action as the performance is open to examination by the public. More than just examination, it also allows citizens to participate in decision-making and report issues, creating a continuous check on government behavior.
  
  

• Transparency is essential for building institutional trust. Trust develops when citizens consistently see that actions align with public interest. When people can verify how their money is spent, access services without bribery, and voice their concerns, their confidence in governance increases. 
  
  

The right to transparency in the Philippines is grounded in Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 7 The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. This provision states that citizens have the legal right to know what the government does, especially when considering how it affects the public.

"SECTION 7.    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 such limitations as may be provided by law."

In a deliberate effort to enforce this within the academic program, students of Bachelor in Public Administration through the TransPArency in Sight (website) may ask for official records, documents, and data such as the expenditures, policies, and decisions. It is the obligation of the executive officers to make documents available for inspection. 

There is a wide range of government-held information that the citizens can request to have access to. This includes public records, official documents, and data related to government transactions and decisions. In the AYPA, this pertains  to items including, but not limited to plan of activities, budget proposals, resolutions, minutes of the meeting,  narrative reports, and financial statements.

However, this right has its own limits. It is imperative that it undergoes  the following proper procedures:

1. Preparation of request must be in writing (answer the form provided in the "Submissions" section of this website) or a physical letter to the appropriate receiving officer of AYPA that is the Public Information Officer or respective Senators (First Year, Second Year, Third Year, and Fourth Year). Stated herein are the name, contact information, student  ID, and reasonable description of the requested information and its purpose.

2. Submission of request, as stated, in usual cases, is made online. However, it does not limit physical or direct submission to any of the AYPA officers.

3. Validation of request happens via email confirmation from the website manager, Director for Media and Creatives, or wet signature of the previously stated receiving officer. This must indicate the date and time, and the officer must provide a copy to the requestor.

4. Processing the request is forwarded to the heads of Committee on Secretariat Affairs and/or Committee on Finance who locates the information and checks for exceptions, such as data privacy concerns or matters of executive privilege.

5. Response must happen within 15 working days. The exceptions apply, such as complex requests or meritorious cases.

6. In the denial of request, the requestor can file an appeal within 15 days of the denial to the authority. 

Moreover, the request must be related to matters of public concern. To be clear, if the information helps the requestor understand how the organization operates or how public funds are used, then it is covered by this right. 

There is currently no single and comprehensive Freedom of Information  (FOI) law passed by Congress. However, policies like Executive Order No. 02, s. 2016 issued during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte support this. Under this order, government agencies under the executive branch are required to respond to public requests for information. It also promotes openness by encouraging agencies to publish important data proactively.

In Bachelor in Public Administration, students shall direct their concerns to any of the AYPA officers whose duty is to attend to the needs and welfare of the students. 

Transparency is indisputably important. However, it must be noted that there are certain types of information that cannot be freely accessed also known as legal exceptions. They exist to protect public safety, sensitive operations, and individual rights. In the organization, the exceptions are  information related to:

1. Internal Strategy and Safety like security plans for a high-profile event, private login credentials for organizational accounts, or "insider" information about upcoming university policy changes that haven't been made public yet.

2. Grievance and Disciplinary Proceedings in a situation where the executive officers are looking into a conduct violation or a conflict between members. Leaking any portion of the information before a decision is made can ruin reputations and create bias to the outcome.

3. Data of Organization Members such as home addresses, phone numbers, student ID numbers, and academic standing must be kept private, unless their approval is explicit. 

4. Executive Board Deliberations such as formulating ideas, discussing budget cuts, and handling sensitive negotiations within the organization and higher-ups must be safe and secured before presenting the final plans to the general body. 

In the end, the general rule is to be open. This means that information should be shared unless there is a clear and valid reason for withholding it.