MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang will not push the House of Representatives to speedily approve the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said legislation is a power independently given to Congress and the Executive branch will respect it.

The statement was given by Valte in light of reports quoting Speaker Sonny Belmonte that the FOI bill was calendared to be heard by November 13.

Valte said Butch Secretary Butch Abad had already written a letter to legislators explaining the finer points of the administration draft of the FOI Bill and its importance.

"We were informed that nagkaroon nga daw po ng problema sa scheduling and it will be up to the chairman of the Committee on Public Information to make sure that that has been ironed out. Kasi may sarili silang kalendaryo and nire-respeto naman natin 'yon," she said.