Explain wealth, Tulfo presses gov’t execs

Senatorial aspirant Erwin Tulfo on Sunday cited the need to make the financial records of all government officials accessible to the public as a deterrence to corruption.

The ACT-CIS solon proposed a public declaration of wealth, including businesses, as a strict requirement for all public officials, whether appointed or elected in office.

“Every government official must disclose to the Filipino people the sources of their wealth, including the reasons for any increases over time during their term of service,” Tulfo said.

“If a public official fails to explain where their wealth, properties, and business funding come from, it raises a red flag and should be investigated by the Ombudsman,” he explained.

He pointed out that the public has the right to get access to the statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) of all government officials under Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Under RA 6713, public officials are required to submit their SALN annually on or before April 30.

Since 2020, however, public access to SALN has become strict and limited only to declarants and officers conducting investigations following the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 1 signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

Tulfo, the top preferred senator in the May 12 polls, pointed out that the non-withholding of SALN will restore public trust anew and will make it easy for Filipinos to spot the crooks in the government.

“It is crucial to disclose the capital funding, especially when it involves millions, because the Filipino people deserve nothing less than full transparency regarding the lifestyle and businesses of their public officials, who took an oath to serve them,” Tulfo stressed.

Apart from a plain declaration of SALN, Tulfo also pushed for public officials to explain how they can afford to acquire mansions, high-end condominiums, luxury cars, and premium personal belongings like jewelry and bags.

This policy to promote transparency, according to Tulfo, must apply to all public officials — from barangay officials to lawmakers and even the President, as well as members of the police, military, Cabinet and the judiciary.