Remulla may issue memo on public access to SALN next week

Metro Manila, Philippines - Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla will issue a memorandum that will allow the public to access government officials’ statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN).

In a press briefing on Friday, Oct. 10, Remulla said his office will issue a memorandum by Wednesday next week or Oct. 15.

“Ang kailangan diyan may undertaking tayo ‘pag humihingi tayo para naman public interest pa din,” he said.

[Translation: We need to have an undertaking when requesting to ensure public interest.]

“May mga privacy matters na kailangan natin i-redact,” the former justice chief said.

[Translation: We will just redact information that will risk officials’ privacy.]

Remulla assured that all SALN of government officials, including the president’s and vice president’s, will be available.

Lifestyle checks

Remulla said lifestyle checks will also be conducted.

He said a line will be opened where the public can report information on a government official’s lifestyle.

“Ang lifestyle check kasi ang mangyayari diyan, ‘di lang natin ire-rely sa fact finding dito sa investigators. We will ask the public to contribute to us sa lifestyle checks,” the new Ombudsman said.

[Translation: On lifestyle checks, we will not just rely on our fact-finding investigators. We will ask the public to contribute to us on lifestyle checks.]

“Ang kapitbahay naman ang pwede magsabi kung ano ang buhay ng gusto mong pag-aralan,” he added.

[Translation: It is a neighbor who could tell what the lifestyle is of the person you want to be investigated.]

During the helm of Samuel Martires, Remulla’s predecessor, SALN access was limited and lifestyle checks were stopped.