Public access to SALNs takes effect Nov. 15

Starting Nov. 15, the public, including members of media, may request copies of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of government officials under the custody of the Office of the Ombudsman.

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This follows the publication of Memorandum Circular 3, series of 2025, issued by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, which restores public access to SALNs.

The circular has complied with the publication requirement mandated under the Civil Code.

According to a newspaper clipping provided by the ombudsman’s Public Information and Media Relations Bureau, MC 3 was published inanewspaper on Oct. 31 and takes effect 15 days after.

The Civil Code provides that all laws, as well as executive or administrative issuances with the force of law, take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Remulla issued MC 3 on Oct. 14, effectively overturning his predecessor former ombudsman Samuel Martires’ MC 1, series of 2020, which restricted the release of SALNs unless the requester had a notarized authorization from the declarant or a court order in connection with a pending case.