Ombudsman: Public may access SALN after years of limitation

Metro Manila, Philippines - Years after limited access to government officials’ statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla released a memorandum granting public access to the document.

Memorandum Circular No. 3, released on Tuesday, Oct. 14, reversed retired Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ directive that an authorization from the SALN owner is needed to release a copy to the requestor.

“This decision is guided by a simple principle: the public has a legitimate right to know how those in government acquire and manage their wealth,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a briefing.

“Transparency in this area is not a slogan—it is a safeguard against corruption and a deterrent to abuse of power under the new memorandum circular,” he added.

SALN request process

Under the new memorandum circular, a person may request for a SALN copy by filling up a request form and presenting two valid identification cards.

The request form will be filed with the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office at the ombudsman central office and with the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Bureau at the area or sectoral offices.

SALNs of the president, vice president, heads of constitutional commissions, and local government officials may be accessed through the Office of the Ombudsman.

The repository of senators and House representatives’ SALNs are with their respective secretariats while judiciary members are with the Supreme Court.

While the Ombudsman said all SALNs may be accessed, the following grounds may prompt the ombudsman to decline a request:

+ the office is not the official repository

+ the SALN is not on file

+ the request is for an unauthorized commercial purpose

+ the requesting party has a derogatory record of misuse

+ the request is linked to a pending case to influence of harass

+ there is evidence of extortion or safety threats

+ the identity of the requesting party is fictitious

+ the purpose is contrary to law, morals, or public policy

Lifestyle check

Clavano said the new memorandum could help in the investigation on flood control corruption wherein several government officials were tagged.

“‘Pag nakita po natin na ang isang tao ay may Ferrari, may Lamborghini, or may bahay sa mga magagandang lugar na alam natin napakamahal pero du’n pala sa SALN, ‘di nakalista du’n, first of all, or disproportionate siya doon sa sinasabing net worth ng isang public officiaI, it can be used now as a basis or supporting evidence to a complaint against a person for graft and corruption,” he said.

[Translation: If we see that the person owns a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, or has a house in a good area that we know is expensive but is not listed on his SALN or it is disproportionate to a public official’s net worth, it can be used now as a basis or supporting evidence to a complaint against a person for graft and corruption.]

Clavano reiterated Remulla’s assurance that private information, such as address and details about a minor, will be redacted in the SALN copy.

The order will be effective 15 days after publication.