Try GOLD - Free
Only 13 of 316 high officials released SALNs to watchdog
The Philippine Star
|November 19, 2025
Only 13 of 316 high officials readily disclosed their wealth for the public's right to information.
That's a paltry four percent who gave statements of assets, liabilities and net worth on request of the coalition Right to Know Right Now.
Among the secretive officials were resigned executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman and DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, who were implicated in the P1.7-trillion flood works scam. Also Finance Sec. Ralph Recto, who replaced Bersamin. And Education Sec. Sonny Angara, also linked to the scandal.
Unresponsive too were the highest officers, President Bongbong Marcos and VP Sara Duterte.
BBM's last publicized SALN was in mid-2016. His senatorial term ended then and he ran and lost as VP.
Sara's last known SALN was in 2019 as Davao City mayor.
In 2020 then-ombudsman Samuel Martires hid SALNs of high officials, including his, till replaced last September.
New Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has set five harsh conditions to release SALNs, including his.
SALNs can check an official's integrity or lack of it. Hiding the tracker documents encourages corruption. Two examples:
This story is from the November 19, 2025 edition of The Philippine Star.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Philippine Star
The Philippine Star
Flood control scandal: ICI wants 17 on lookout bulletin
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has requested the Department of Justice to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBO) against 17 people facing charges of graft and malversation of public funds before the Sandiganbayan in connection with an anomalous flood control project worth P289.5 million in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
1 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
RAISE THE RED LANTERN: HAIL TO MICHELIN CHEF ZOR TAN
When Joy Wassmer of Solaire asked Zor Tan, a Michelin-starred guest chef from Singapore's Born resto, to serve a round table of 15 foodies — all gourmands who hunger for good food — it became an early Christmas get-together of 15 Philippine STAR writers. Here, the writers talk about the glorious meal of six courses.
6 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
JCI Manila holds Phl Night in Tunisia
Junior Chamber International Manila showcased Filipino culture at the \"Philippine Night\" held at the JCI World Congress in Tunisia on Nov. 6.
1 min
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
Removal of US tariffs on key Phl agri products to boost exports – PCCI
The move of the United States to exempt key Philippine agricultural exports from reciprocal tariffs is seen boosting the country's exports and helping protect jobs, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
1 min
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
Globe secures ¥20-B loan from Mizuho Bank
Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has signed a term loan facility of ¥20 billion with Mizuho Bank Ltd. to support its funding requirements.
1 min
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
'No compelling reason to impeach BBM'
Members of the House minority bloc see no sufficient basis at this time to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Marcos, despite explosive allegations circulating online.
3 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
Phl fruit exporters get relief, says DA
AS U.S. CONFIRMS CONTINUED TARIFF EXEMPTIONS
1 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
BBM declares P389 M net worth; Sara, P88 M
The declared wealth of both President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte had steadily increased in the past three years since they assumed office, based on their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) from 2022 to 2024, copies of which were obtained by The STAR from the Office of the Ombudsman.
3 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
Marcos to students: Engage in sports
President Marcos poked fun at his health yesterday as he tried to lift a 120-kilo barbell when he visited the newly renovated facilities at the Phil-Sports Complex in Pasig City.
2 mins
November 20, 2025
The Philippine Star
Ex-usec Bernardo sought out Lacson to tell all
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson yesterday detailed how former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo reached out to him with the intention to tell all in his bid to become a state witness in the flood control corruption scandal.
2 mins
November 20, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size