House bill seeks mandatory SALN disclosure

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker has proposed the mandatory public disclosure of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of public officials.

Camarines Sur Rep. Salvio Fortuno filed House Bill 5694 that provides for the mandatory public disclosure of the SALN. The bill centralizes the filing of statements with the Office of the Ombudsman.

The bill seeks to plug the loopholes in Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“If I can have my way, the SALN should be available for public scrutiny without any condition,” he said.

Fortuno filed the bill following the continued refusal of Chief Justice Renato Corona to disclose his SALN, citing the Supreme Court’s non-disclosure policy.

The policy, Fortuno said, aims to shield justices from any deceptive request for information that could lead to intimidation, harassment and fishing expeditions.

“This arrogant display of power runs counter to the noble objectives of RA 6713 to promote transparency and high standard of ethics in public service and to uphold public interest over and above personal interest,” he said.

The provision of the law is clear, “the public has the right to know our assets, liabilities and net worth. Why is there a need for us to hide our assets if they come from sweat and hard toils?” Fortuno said.