Ombuds: Submit SALN today or face charges

CEBU, Philippines -  Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol reminded all government officials and employees to submit their respective Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth  today or else they will face charges.

Apostol said government officials and employees are required to submit their SALN on or before April 30 covering the previous year up to December 31 for to see their wealth.

The filing is done yearly thereafter during their term or service in the government to see if there is an increase in their assets, said Apostol.

Apostol said if there is an unusual increase in assets, a certain official or employee must prove its legitimate source otherwise it is presumed to be ill-gotten wealth and their office will conduct a lifestyle check.

“If assets coming from illegal source, the government can confiscate it because it is ill-gotten wealth and ill-gotten wealth belongs to the government and it should be returned to the government,” he said.

For those who failed to file their SALN, Apostol said they will face administrative case with a penalty of three months suspension and a criminal case with a penalty of imprisonment or a fine of not more than P5,000.

Apostol said that if an official or an employee of the government failed to file SALN today, he or she must justify.

Meanwhile, Apostol said from January to April this year, he had recommended the conduct of a lifestyle check against various public officials and employees in the government. He however, did not identify them for confidentiality.

Under Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees, all government officials and employees are required to file their SALN yearly, declaring their net worth as of December 31 of the previous year.

Failure to disclose or misdeclaration of any asset, liability, business interest, financial connection, and relative in the government service in his or her SALN is punishable under RA 6713. (FREEMAN)