The move by recently appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to lift the restrictions on public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) is not just procedural housekeeping — it’s a long-overdue reset in how we demand integrity from those in power.

The filing of SALNs is required by the 1987 Constitution, specifically Article XI, Section 17, and by Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. These laws mandate public officials and employees to periodically submit a sworn declaration of their assets, liabilities, net worth, and business interests, including those of their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years.

For years, SALNs existed on paper and in theory, but were effectively hidden from the public eye. Access was obstructed by red tape, arbitrary denials, and bureaucratic excuses of all sorts.

In practice, only the well-connected or well-funded could scrutinize the financial position of those in office. That secrecy allowed corruption to thrive both in the dark and in silence.

But the public mood has shifted. Allegations of ghost projects, padded budgets, and brazen kickbacks — particularly in flood control projects — have pushed citizens to the edge of tolerance.

Billions of pesos reportedly vanished into thin air while communities drowned in floodwaters.

Trust is bankrupt, and apologies no longer suffice.

Floodwater victims can no longer be appeased by periodic financial assistance and other forms of “ayuda” designed to give temporary relief, not long-term solutions to long-festering problems.

This is why Ombudsman Remulla’s recent order truly matters. SALNs are not mere disclosures — they are financial footprints.

When opened to public scrutiny, they become deterrents. They force officials to think twice before acquiring unexplained wealth. They empower journalists, civil society, and even ordinary citizens to ask of those in power: How did you afford that mansion? That imported vehicle? That sudden leap in net worth?

More importantly, lifting SALN restrictions realigns the Philippines with global standards of open governance. In many democracies, transparency is not negotiated — it’s expected of all public officials and their close relatives.

But let’s be clear on one thing: releasing SALNs is only the first step. It must be followed by enforcement. SALNs mean nothing if questions are muffled, discrepancies ignored, or if violations are reduced to mere headlines without accompanying prosecutorial moves.

True accountability requires both visibility and consequence. If this reform is pursued in full — not watered down, not selectively applied — it could mark the beginning of a new social contract between the government and the governed.

One where power is not protected by secrecy but measured against transparency, honesty and credibility.