For Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, the filing of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) by public officials is not mandatory.

“I wouldn't impose it on anybody; the decision is to each their own,” Remulla said in a press conference Monday afternoon at the Office of the Ombudsman.

With the restraints on SALNs being eased, the former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary sees a glimmer of hope, stating that officials may grow accustomed to the idea of transparency.

“That’s why I said—what we were talking about earlier—will you serve or do business? You can’t do business while you’re serving, because while you’re serving, you’re deciding on the funds that will be put there,” he expressed.

“Go with transparency so people can see that you are sincere in what you do,” he continued.

Tool for probe

According to Remulla, they can utilize the SALN as a tool to support their ongoing lifestyle inspections.

“We already have a lifestyle check here to begin with. But that tool is really the SALN,” Remulla said in the same press conference.

Aside from the documents that help in the investigation of corruption linked to infrastructure, Remulla also seeks aid from Congress and the Senate, and possibly a dialogue with the Supreme Court.