What happens when you ask a government office for information, but it turns out they don’t actually have it? That’s where the No Wrong Door Policy comes in. It’s a system designed to make sure your Freedom of Information (FOI) request doesn’t get lost in bureaucratic limbo. Instead of being turned away, your request is passed along to the right agency—like a letter being forwarded to the correct address.
What the No Wrong Door Policy Means
At its core, the No Wrong Door Policy ensures that every FOI request is accepted, even if it lands on the wrong desk. Instead of rejecting the request, the receiving agency must:
Refer it to the correct agency within three working days
Notify the requesting party about the referral
Keep the process moving without unnecessary delays
This policy was reinforced in the Philippines through DepEd Memorandum No. 095, s. 2025, which builds on earlier guidelines from 2021. But the idea isn’t unique to one country—many governments worldwide are adopting similar approaches to improve transparency and public trust.
How the Process Works Step by Step
The flowchart included in the memorandum makes the process easy to follow:
Requesting Party submits an FOI request.
Government Agency 1 (GA1) receives it.
If GA1 is the right agency, they process it.
If not, they must refer it within three days.
Government Agency 2 (GA2) takes over.
If GA2 is correct, they handle it.
If not, they can make a second referral.
Government Agency 3 (GA3) is the final stop.
If GA3 is correct, they process it.
If not, the request is marked unprocessed.
The entire FOI process should take 15–35 working days, depending on complexity.
Why This Policy Matters
The No Wrong Door Policy is more than just paperwork—it’s about accountability. Here are a few reasons it’s important:
Breaks down silos: Government agencies often work in isolation. This policy forces collaboration.
Saves time for citizens: Instead of restarting the process, requests are redirected seamlessly.
Builds trust: People are more likely to engage with government when they know their requests won’t be ignored.
Global relevance: Similar “no wrong door” approaches exist in healthcare, social services, and education worldwide.
Did You Know?
The concept of “no wrong door” actually started in public health and social services. It was designed so that people seeking help—whether for housing, healthcare, or education—wouldn’t be turned away just because they knocked on the “wrong” office door. The FOI system simply borrowed the same principle.
Common Questions About FOI Referrals
Q: What happens if the first agency forgets to refer my request? A: The FOI Receiving Officer (FRO) must still act on it within the remaining response period.
Q: Can my request bounce around endlessly? A: No. The policy allows only two referrals. After that, the process stops.
Q: Do I get updates? A: Yes. Each referral requires the agency to notify you and provide contact details for the new office.
A Personal Take
I’ve had my fair share of waiting in government offices, clutching forms and wondering if I was in the right place. That’s why I find the No Wrong Door Policy refreshing—it acknowledges the reality that most people don’t know which agency holds which records. Instead of punishing citizens for not being experts in bureaucracy, it shifts the responsibility to the government to guide the request properly. That feels like progress.
Wrapping It Up
The No Wrong Door Policy makes FOI requests smoother, fairer, and more transparent. By ensuring that no request is outright rejected, it helps citizens access information without unnecessary frustration. What do you think—does this kind of policy make you more likely to file a request, or do you still find government processes intimidating?
