In a recent development during plenary deliberations, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, who sponsors the Ombudsman’s proposed budget of P4.98 billion for 2024, asserted that there is no existing law mandating public officials to submit their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs). This statement was made in the presence of Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
“Unang una, ang sabi ng ating Ombudsman [Samuel Martires], there is actually no law that we should submit the SALN,” Abante emphasized, indicating the Ombudsman’s stance on the matter.
Furthermore, when questioned about lifestyle checks on government officials, Abante clarified, “There is no problem with the Ombudsman conducting lifestyle checks if there is an authority given by the agency.”
Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, does stipulate that public officials and employees, with certain exceptions, are required to submit their SALNs under oath. These SALNs are accompanied by a disclosure of business interests and financial connections, as well as those of their spouses and unmarried children under eighteen years of age residing in their households.
GMA News Online has reached out to the Office of the Ombudsman for clarification on Section 8 and to address the Ombudsman’s statement, as relayed by Abante, regarding the absence of a legal requirement for SALN submission.
It’s worth noting that in September 2020, Ombudsman Martires restricted access to public officials’ SALNs, mandating the owner’s consent before evaluating SALN requests.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, who posed questions about SALNs and lifestyle checks, emphasized that the Ombudsman should proactively pursue cases of corruption within the government, irrespective of any legislative gaps, as this falls under the Ombudsman’s mandate.
Brosas stated, “The disclosure of SALN and conducting lifestyle checks on the part of the Ombudsman is important for checks and balances. If there is no law, such should not limit the Ombudsman from fulfilling its mandate to ensure that public funds are spent judiciously. In carrying out its Constitutional mandate, we expect the Ombudsman to be more proactive in addressing corruption issues.”
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