SALN deadline Monday, Ombudsman reminds govt officials

Government officials and employees will have until Monday to file their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) to their respective human resource management offices. The reminder came from Ombudsman Conchita Morales, who said the SALNs must not only be filed, but must be accomplished truthfully. “It is high time that we instill the perspective of not just filing the SALN but of accomplishing the same with honesty by correctly and completely abiding with the requirements of the law,” she said. Also, the Office of the Ombudsman warned non-compliant government officials and employees they will face an investigation and appropriate charges and penalties. Morales cited Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution that requires public officials and employees "to file their SALN upon assumption to office and as often as may be required by law.” She also said Section 8(A) of Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires the filing of the SALN upon entry or exit from government service and on or before April 30. Failure to do so will result in a suspension of one to six months for the first offense and by dismissal from the service for the second offense, as decreed in Rule 10, Section 46 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases issued by the Civil Service Commission. On the other hand, filing an untruthful SALN may result in charges of perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code. The Office of the Ombudsman said it is coordinating with concerned government agencies in monitoring the submission of SALNs. Also, it said the Civil Service Commission's Memorandum Circular No. 5 allows government officials and employees to use either the old or new SALN form. "Those who serve in an honorary capacity, laborers and casual or temporary workers are exempted from the filing of SALN," it added. — LBG, GMA News