Just release the SALNs, already

With the two highest officials of the land plus the Cabinet leading the reluctant bunch, many key public officials are still hemming and hawing over the release of their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

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SALN disclosure is mandated for accountability under the Constitution itself, with an enabling law passed way back in 1989 — Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Over the weekend, Malacañang renewed its commitment to release the SALN of President Marcos and his Cabinet members — something that was routinely done annually until Samuel Martires was appointed as ombudsman by Rodrigo Duterte.

But the Palace commitment came with a warning that it would not allow public access to SALNs to be used for political attacks.