Over SALN inaccuracy: Probe mayor, Ombuds urged

CEBU, Philippines - A resident of Cebu City is asking the Ombudsman to investigate the alleged "failure" of Mayor Michael Rama to list three relatives in government in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).

In a letter to the Ombudsman, the "concerned citizen" said there could be "possible malice in the omission" of the data.

The Freeman is withholding the names of the three for now pending comment on the allegations directed at them. 

The complainant alleged a lifestyle check revealed they are living beyond their means using "unexplained sources of funds" as showed by their lavish lifestyles, expensive vehicles, and frequent trips to local casinos.

The complainant attached to the letter a copy of Rama's SALN dated December 2010 and December 2014 that also did not include the three names.

"I understand that SALN regulations require an official to disclose, among others, his relatives in government within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. The disclosure shall also state his or her relationship with the relative, the position of the relative, as well as the name of the office or agency and its address," the complainant's letter reads.

Rama's action allegedly violates Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The complainant said government officials who fail to disclose or declare any asset, liability, business interest, financial connection, and relative in the government in his or her SALN may be dismissed from service.

"Far from negligence, I strongly believe that there is a clear intent to deceive the public in omitting the three relatives in his SALN," the letter reads.

Beyond the SALN rules, the complainant said Rama committed dishonesty, falsification of public documents, and grave misconduct as a public official.

Mistaken

In an interview, Rama told The Freeman he did not intend to exclude the three in his SALN.

He also clarified that one of the three mentioned in the complaint is not related to him by blood.

"Ig-agaw lang ang tawag but not by blood," Rama said.

He said he is also surprised to see one other name since he has always listed this person in his SALNs.

He said the one who prepared his SALN for him may have just overlooked the matter. He said he might have failed to correct the error since he usually just reviews the numbers.

"Na-overlook ra na. Always na man ko na nga gi-include sauna pa. Susmaryusep, ngano gud tawn itago?," Rama said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)