The Supreme Court has denied the request of an online media entity for copies of statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs) and Personal Data Sheets (PDS) or curriculum vitae of retired justices, officers and employees of the judiciary.
In an en banc resolution, the SC ruled not to grant the letter-request of Reynaldo C. Santos, Jr., senior researcher of Rappler.com, for copies of the 2004-2011 SALNs and PDS of the retired justices of the high court, Court of Appeals and the Court of Tax Appeals.
According to the tribunal, these justices are no longer within the administrative jurisdiction of the tribunal.
“The Court Resolves to deny the request of Reynaldo C. Santos Jr., Senior Researcher, rappler.com for copies of the 2004-2011 SALNs and PDS of the retired Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and the Court of Tax Appeals, considering that the aforesaid former members of the judiciary are no longer within the jurisdiction of the Court,” stated the resolution dated January 13, 2015.
“Provided, however, that earlier requests favorably acted upon by the court through previous resolutions involving members of the Judiciary who were then in the active service shall be respected, subject to payment of the required fees[,]” the SC said.
However, the court warned Rappler to comply with the requirements faithfully and any violation would subject them to criminal, civil and administrative liability.
