Ombudsman: Probers told access to SALNs need House plenary approval

Access to the statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth of House members under investigation for their alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects needs approval by the plenary of the House of Representatives, the Office of the House  Secretary General reportedly told ombudsman investigators.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla said he would write to Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III regarding the procedures for obtaining the SALNs of House members under investigation in connection with the massive corruption that affected flood control projects.

"Lately, our teams are having a hard time getting the SALNs of congressmen we are investigating... I’ve been told that it has to pass through plenary for them to release a SALN, and I don’t buy that excuse," Remulla said.

GMA News Online is trying to get comments from the Dy and House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil leadership and would publish them as soon as they are available.

Remulla said he didn't understand the need to delay the process.

"I do not understand why they stone wall or give us a hard time," Remulla said.

He also raised the issue of conflict of interest, saying some of those in the Office of the Secretary General once worked for those who are under investigation. 

"We’re just harboring suspicions that they may be protecting people, and I don't want to believe it. Hopefully, they stop doing that because this is a very urgent matter for the country," Remulla said. –NB, GMA Integrated News