Ombudsman to release memo lifting restrictions on SALNs

New Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed to issue a memorandum restoring public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

At a press briefing on his first day in office yesterday, Remulla said the memorandum, which he would be issuing tentatively by Wednesday next week, shall lay out the parameters on how the public, including members of media, can request for the SALNs of public officials.

“The parameters have to be spelled out. There should be an undertaking from the requesting party, that first, the SALN will not be weaponized,” Remulla said.

Asked if members of media can immediately request for the SALNs of public officials once the memorandum is released, the new ombudsman replied in the affirmative.

“Yes. That should not be a probJem. I know I'm opening a can of worms, but so be it,” he said.

Asked if the SALNs of former public officials filed since 2016 can also be released to the public, particularly to members of media, Remulla said: “Why not? We are after public information here. When we talk about transparency, let’s go all the way.”

Specifically asked if his office would allow the release of the SALNs of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, Remulla said yes, adding that he himself would release his SALN.

As for releasing the SALN of President Marcos, Remulla said they have not talked about it, but he was earlier assured by the President of freedom to perform his work as an ombudsman.

Remulla, however, said that the SALNs to be released would be subject to redaction of sensitive information such as the signatures and address of the declarants “for security purposes.”