Budget officer is poorest, information officer richest

CEBU, Philippines - Among his peers, Talisay City budget officer Edgar Mabunay, who makes P591,379 annually, is the poorest department head, with only a net worth of P20,000 as shown in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth. 

In his SALN filed in the Office of the Human Resource and Development Office, Mabunay declared no properties except jewelry worth P150,000 and home appliances amounting to P50,000.

His loans taken from GSIS and other personal loans amount to P180,000. 

The richest department head is former city councilor and currently information officer Arturo Bas. 

According to his SALN, Bas’ personal and other properties amount to P11.827 million, which include a residential house, buildings, and agricultural land.

His other properties also include vehicles, cash and jewelry amounting to P2.1 million.

Bas was followed by city planning and development officer Christine Homez with P5.695 million.

She listed properties and other personal properties which amount to P5.903 million.

She lists her liabilities in the amount of P208,000. 

City registrar Emely Cabrera ranks third with P4.756 million, city assessor Ma. Alma Abellanosa ranks fourth with P4.697 million, city engineer Audie Bacasmas, P3.067 million, city health officer Lino Alanzado, P2.725 million, Human Resource head Hazel Bathan, P2.389 million, city secretary Emigdio Enjambre, P2.157 million, and city treasurer Emma Macuto, P1.456 million.

Other department heads who have listed less than a million pesos include Felipa Solana of city social welfare with P407,259.14, city accountant Luzviminda Villarante, P580,000, city administrator Ritchel Bacaltos, P576,597, city agriculturist Rene Galado, P687,000, General Services Officer Joan Vebar, P751,326, city veterinarian Santiago Hortel, P788,461, and city legal officer Owen Algoso posted, P980,000. 

Public officials and employees are required to submit their SALN under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

RA 3019 stresses the need for public officials to declare under oath their assets and liabilities and the public’s right to know of their assets, liabilities, net worth, and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 still living with them.

Government officials and employees who fail to submit their annual SALN or who stated false items in the document face legal suits.

The submission of SALN allows the anti-graft office to monitor an official’s wealth and to determine if a government official’s lifestyle does not exceed his income. (FREEMAN)