BIR employee fined for SALN violations

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has secured the conviction of a revenue officer from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for giving false information in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). 

Myrna Ramirez, found guilty of three counts of violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, was fined P9,000 for the offense.

The ombudsman said Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 41 Judge Roland Dennis Molina handled the case against Ramirez.

During a hearing last May 19, Ramirez asked to change her plea to guilty for failing to disclose her business interests in a mineral water shop and her ownership of a Mitsubishi L-300 van in her SALN.

The ombudsman said RA 6713 states that all public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.