Only 13 of 316 high officials released SALNs to watchdog

Only 13 of 316 high officials readily disclosed their wealth for the public's right to information.

- JARIUS BONDOC

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: