Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 22) — Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Tuesday defended his recent directive to restrict public access to the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth or SALN of public officials, which he described as a tool being used to “weaponize” against enemies in politics.
“Sa ekspiryensiya po ng Obudsman, na-weaponize po ang SALN. Ginamit po ito na means para siraan ang isang tao, isang kalaban sa pulitika,” Martires said during the budget hearing before the House appropriations committee.
[Translation: In the experience of the Ombudsman, the SALN was weaponized. It was used as means to go against someone, anyone who is an enemy in politics.]
Through its Memorandum Circular 1, the Office of the Ombudsman declared last week tighter rules for SALN access, including those filed by public officials last August 30.
“You cannot use the SALN if it is against moral and public policy,” Martires reasoned.
He added that a SALN is not necessary in the prosecution of a graft or plunder case.
No more lifestyle checks
Martires also bared that since assuming office, he had ordered a stop to the conduct of lifestyle checks on public officials due to questionable provisions of Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
“I wanted to propose to the Congress to amend RA 6713 because there really are provisions there na kung hindi malabo, parang walang hulog sa logic (if not vague, seem to have no logic)”
RA 6713, the same law that requires public officials and employees to file a SALN, also requires them and their families to “lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income.” They shall also not “indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.”
Martires noted that a government official with “distorted values or priorities” and lives beyond his means cannot be immediately accused of committing a corrupt act.
“Ano hong pakialam natin? Sino tayo para husgahan ang taong ito…anong pakialam natin sa buhay ng may buhay kung hindi naman nagnanakaw?”
[Translation: Why would we care? Who are we to judge a person, someone’s business if that person was not proven to have stolen anything.]
He added: “What is simple living to me may not be simple living to you or anyone.”
