Executive branch to follow Ombudsman rule on SALNs, Palace says

The executive branch will abide by any directive by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ''Boying'' Remulla on matters related to making the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of public officials accessible to the public.

This was according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Monday.

''Kung ano naman po ang nararapat at kung ano ang sinasabi ng batas at kung ano ang makakabuti para malabanan ang korupsiyon ay tatalima naman po ang lahat ng nasa executive department,'' Castro said in a briefing.

(Whatever is needed and whatever is stated in the law, the executive branch will abide.)

Asked if President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is willing to release his SALN, Castro said everyone in the executive department is ready.

Last week, Remulla said he would issue a new memorandum allowing access to the SALNs of public officials, including that of the President and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Remulla’s position is contrary to the 2020 memo issued by his predecessor, former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who restricted the access to SALN by requiring the consent of the SALN owner for disclosure, among other restrictions.

Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees expressly mandates that SALNs must be made available for inspection at reasonable hours and for copying after 10 working days from the time they are filed subject to prescribed regulations. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News