Cabinet to discuss releasing SALN to the public

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Cabinet will meet to discuss whether to release the statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) of its members, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Friday, Oct. 24.

In a Malacañang press briefing, Castro said the matter is set for discussion during a meeting on Saturday, following questions from the media on whether the administration will revive the practice of publicizing top officials’ SALN.

“Pag-uusapan po ito ng Cabinet members bukas,” Castro told reporters.

[Translation: The cabinet members will talk about this tomorrow.]

She declined to say whether the administration has made a decision, adding, “Tingnan po natin kung ano po ang nararapat.”

[Translation: Let’s see what is appropriate.]

When asked if the Cabinet is likely to agree to release their SALN, Castro said, “Sila pa ay magmi-meeting, so hindi ko ho masasabing yes kasi hindi po ako kasama sa meeting at sila po ang magdidesisyon dito.”

[Translation: They will still meet so I can’t say yes because I’m not part of the meeting and they will be the ones to decide.]

The release of SALN resurfaced after a number of lawmakers voluntarily released their SALN. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he would abide by the ombudsman’s policy, which limits public access to the documents.

Under Republic Act 6713, government officials are required to file their SALN annually, but access to these records has been restricted since 2012 after the Office of the Ombudsman issued disclosure guidelines.