Business groups call for mandatory lifestyle checks on all gov't officials

SOME TOP business groups on Thursday called for the public submission of statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) by all government officials, as well as mandatory lifestyle checks to enforce accountability.

- By Justine Irish D. Tabile Reporter

“Without rigorous verification, SALNs remain symbolic records rather than effective tools against corruption,” six groups, including the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), said in a joint statement.

Other signatories of the statement include the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, and Institute for Solidarity in Asia.

The groups said lifestyle audits can be done much more easily as public officials and their family members’ digital footprints are more accessible these days. Social media posts can show their spending patterns, travel, social media activities, and luxury assets.

“They are essential to uncover if declared wealth aligns with actual living standards,” they added.

The Philippine government is investigating a multibillion-peso public works scandal involving government officials, lawmakers and private contractors.

This corruption scandal has sparked widespread outrage and street protests, especially after the spread of social media posts showing the lavish lifestyles of some officials, contractors and their family members who were tied to the scandal.

Amid the government probe, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C.Remulla reopened public access to SALNs last month.

"While the recent Ombudsman decision restoring public access to SALNs is welcome, transparency alone is insufficient," the groups said.