The work of the Information Commissioner and the Technical Secretariat to support his
or her work shall be funded by the Government through the National budget. The
Informational Commissioner shall enjoy operational, investigatory and regulatory
autonomy, and general independence in the exercise of his or her work.
Section 5.2 Functions and Powers of Information Commissioner: Without limiting the
generality of the provisions of Clause 5.1 above, the functions and powers of the
Independent Information Commissioner shall include:
a) To receive, hear and decide all complaints as well as mediate disputes arising
under this Act.
b) To compel witnesses and evidence for the purpose of deciding appeal or
otherwise determining compliance with this Act.
c) To review information held by public bodies and covered private entities and, in
connection therewith, including procedures for the internal reviews provided in
Section Chapter (6) of this Act as well as the fees charged by public bodies and
entities for reproduction of requested information.
d) To issue cease and desist orders and other recommendations to any or all of
such public bodies and relevant private entities relative to implementation and
compliance with this law.
e) To investigate, monitor, and promote compliance with this Act, including
collecting statistics associated therewith.
f) To order any public body or private body concerned to release requested
information should it find that the information or record is not one that is
exempted by this Act.
g) To train and build the capacity of personnel of public bodies and private entities
concerned to ensure (1) proper interpretation and application of this Act and (2)
that the handling of information requests is consistent across all government
bodies.
h) To consult with and provide support to Information Officers and other relevant
officials of public bodies and private entities covered under this Act.
i) To develop access guidelines and procedures.
j) To develop public awareness strategies and information dissemination
campaigns to educate the public about their rights under the Act, and promoting
necessary
compliance
with
this
Act.
k) To evaluate existing laws and regulations relating to access to information, and
to make recommendations for reform and harmonization of the laws.
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