Reform bloc lawmakers release SALN, urge colleagues to follow suit

At least four lawmakers from the Reform bloc in the House of Representatives led by human rights lawyer and Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno released their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) on Monday, saying such wealth disclosure is a must for public officials.

The Reform bloc is composed of Diokno, his fellow Akbayan party-list representatives Percival Cendaña and Dadah Ismula, and Dinagat Rep. Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao.

“At a time when trust in government is at its lowest, words are not enough. We, as public servants, must show through concrete action that transparency and accountability are more than promises—they are obligations,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.

“How can our people place their faith in our institutions if we cannot live up to the most basic duty of public office: to serve with responsibility, integrity, and efficiency; to always act with patriotism and justice; and to lead modest lives,” they added.

Among the four, Bag-ao is the wealthiest in terms of net worth with P15 million, followed by Diokno with P13 million.

Both Diokno and Bag-ao are lawyers.

Ismula ranked third with P3.2 million net worth. Cendaña, on the other hand, was the least wealthy among the four with P1 million net worth.

“Public service is not about power or privilege. It is about earning and keeping the trust of the very people we are sworn to serve. For this reason, the Akbayan Reform Bloc is disclosing and committing to regularly publish our Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN),” the lawmakers pointed out.

“This is not just a matter of compliance, but a commitment to openness and honesty in public service,” they added.

In closing, the opposition lawmakers called on their colleagues to follow their lead.

“We respectfully call on our fellow lawmakers — especially our colleagues in the House of Representatives — to join us in this effort. Let us take this crucial step together to rebuild the trust of our people and strengthen our democracy,” they said. —KG, GMA Integrated News