“SALNs serve as a deterrent to corrupt practices by making it easier to detect unexplained wealth or illicit enrichment”
Why is the Akbayan bloc in the House of Representatives pushing for the release of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of all of the members of the lower chamber of Congress?
This is the offshoot of the controversy over flood control projects that has implicated several lawmakers.
House Resolution 271 filed by the party-list group directs the Office of the Secretary General to make public all SALNs of House members: “As representatives of the Filipino people, members of the House of Representatives must lead by example by demonstrating their commitment to ethical conduct and accountability, thereby setting the tone for other public officials and employees.”
The Akbayan resolution came two weeks after President Marcos ordered the conduct of “lifestyle checks” on all government officials, starting with the DPWH.
They cited Constitutional and statutory mandates requiring public disclosure of SALNs, specifically Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
However, the Office of the Ombudsman then under Samuel Martires restricted public access to the SALNs on file with its office by issuing Memorandum Circular 1, s. 2020 during the Duterte administration.
The SALN is a cornerstone of public accountability in the country, as it serves to promote transparency and integrity by providing a detailed snapshot of a public official’s financial condition, including properties, income, liabilities, and business interests.
It helps ensure that officials are not using their positions for personal gain, especially when their wealth grows disproportionately to their income.
SALNs serve as a deterrent to corrupt practices by making it easier to detect unexplained wealth or illicit enrichment.
Investigators and watchdogs can immediately use SALNs to track inconsistencies in financial disclosures over time.
Knowing their wealth is being monitored can discourage public officials from engaging in corrupt acts such as bribery, embezzlement, or misuse of public funds.
When citizens see that officials are transparent about their finances, it strengthens trust in government institutions.
Access by ordinary citizens to the SALNs of those holding public office from the president down to the barangay level shows that government is committed to transparency in all its dealings.
The SALN is also a safeguard in keeping public service honest and gives the Filipino people a way to see that their leaders are living up to standards of integrity. If a public official’s wealth increases significantly without a clear legal source, it raises red flags and could trigger an investigation.
SALNs can be used as evidence in court cases related to graft, plunder, or ill-gotten wealth. Discrepancies, omissions, or falsifications in a SALN are themselves punishable under Philippine laws, such as RA 6713 and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
SALNs actually played a role in high-profile investigations and controversies in this country. These have been used to track unexplained wealth, especially when the assets of public officials balloon without a clear source of income.
Mainstream media have published exposés based on SALN discrepancies, especially during election seasons. These reports often reveal how candidates’ wealth mysteriously multiplies after assuming office.
Non-government organizations have also launched campaigns to urge government to allow public access to SALNs, arguing that secrecy breeds corruption.
They have also lobbied against restrictive policies from the Office of the Ombudsman that limit SALN access.
Academic institutions and think tanks have hosted forums and published research showing how SALNs can be used to track patterns of corruption, especially among political dynasties and local officials.
The Corruption Perception Index for the Philippines remains low, partly due to weak enforcement and limited public access. This shows that while SALNs are a powerful tool, they’re only as effective as the systems and people willing to use them.
The SALN is an indispensable tool against corruption.
While it is not foolproof and depends on strict enforcement, public access, and vigilant oversight, it is a vital instrument in the country’s anti-corruption framework.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
