Government execs, workers warned vs untruthful SALN declarations

MANILA, Philippines - Public officials and employees are warned against untruthful declaration of their wealth and obligations.

The Office of the Ombudsman issued the warning in time for today’s deadline for filing of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

“In view of the wide gamut of cases violating the rules concerning the filing of SALN, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales reminds all government officials and employees to be truthful in accomplishing their SALN for the year 2016 and to file the same ahead of the April 30 deadline,” the ombudsman said in a statement.

The ombudsman’s public information and media relations bureau said since April 30 this year falls on a Sunday, the deadline of the filing of SALN for government workers outside Metro Manila is today.

Yesterday was the deadline for those in Metro Manila, as Malacañang declared April 28 as a special non-working holiday in the metropolis to give way for the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Under the law, public officials and employees are required to declare in their SALNs all their liabilities as well as assets, including business and financial interests not only of themselves but also of their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years old.

The anti-graft agency clarified that those who serve in the government under honorary capacity as well as laborers, casual and temporary workers are exempted from filing SALN.

Morales warned that untruthful declaration of SALNs constitutes perjury and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

She said failure to file SALN or dishonesty in filing is punishable by one to six months suspension for the first offense and dismissal from service for the second offense.

“The SALN has been an effective investigatory and discovery measure in determining ill-gotten wealth, as it includes a waiver authorizing the ombudsman or his authorized representatives to obtain documents from any government agency or financial institutions that may show assets, liabilities, net worth, business interests, and financial connections of a government official or employee,” Morales said.