Marcos ready to disclose SALN

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is ready to disclose his personal financial and business information - or statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) - to the public in line with the ombudsman decision to lift restrictions on its release.

“Finally,” Marcos said, in response to the new ombudsman policy restoring public access to SALNs.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla issued Memorandum Circular No. 3, which reinstates the public’s right to inspect and reproduce the SALN of government officials. The circular takes effect 15 days after publication.

“We will follow the new rules - sorry, we will follow the old rules. These old rules were suspended in the last administration where the SALN was much easier to get and examine,” he said.

Marcos added he was “quite surprised” to find upon assuming office that it had become “almost impossible” to obtain a SALN copy.

“Again, my SALN… it will be available to whoever would like to [see it]. Kung hihingin sa akin ng ICI, eh ‘di siyempre ibibigay ko. Kung hihingin sa akin ng ombudsman, ibibigay namin,” Marcos said.

[Translation: If the ICI asks for it, of course I will give it. If the ombudsman asks for it, we will provide it.]

He said he would encourage Cabinet members to follow suit.

“Yes, of course,” Marcos said when asked if he would enjoin his Cabinet to release their own SALNs.

Under the new guidelines, SALNs filed with the ombudsman will be available for inspection and reproduction after processing, no earlier than 10 working days following the final submission deadline from all government agencies.

Requests must be filed with any Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office at the central office or a Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Bureau in the area or sectoral offices.

The memorandum also allows lifestyle checks on public officials. Any individual who can provide evidence showing that a public officer’s assets are manifestly disproportionate to their income may file a complaint with the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office (FIO).

However, requests for SALNs may be denied if the documents are not on file, are sought for unauthorized commercial use, or if the request is connected to extortion, harassment, or a pending case. Certain personal details—such as home addresses, children’s information, signatures, and identification numbers—will also be redacted for security and privacy reasons.

The circular further requires that any party who publishes or broadcasts information derived from a SALN must provide the Ombudsman a copy or link to the output within five days of publication.

The Ombudsman said this is meant for monitoring purposes and to prevent misuse or misrepresentation of the information.