Bersamin: SALN requests must have legitimate purpose
“Take note that SALN contains details that might compromise the security and safety of the public officials concerned. Our existing rules apply that access to SALN should have a good reason,” Bersamin said.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
Photo courtesy of PCO
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Saturday said that requests for copies of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of public officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., should have a legitimate purpose and not be used for political attacks.
According to Bersamin, although the 1987 Constitution considers SALN a public document, there are details in it that might compromise the security and safety of public servants.
“Take note that SALN contains details that might compromise the security and safety of the public officials concerned. Our existing rules apply that access to SALN should have a good reason,” Bersamin said.
The executive secretary also noted that information such as the number of children, home address, and other personal data in the SALN could endanger individuals if obtained by the wrong people.
Recently, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla lifted the restriction on public access to the SALNs of government officials, including the president, vice president, heads of constitutional commissions, and local government officials.
Lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives made their SALNs public amid corruption issues linked to flood control projects. Before the restriction was lifted, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that he and his Cabinet members were willing to comply with public access to SALNs.
Bersamin stated that Cabinet secretaries are not denying access but emphasized that controls must be in place. He stressed that the documents are meant to promote transparency and accountability, not to attack individuals.
“We must not forget that Cabinet secretaries are entitled to security and privacy. There is no problem if the reason is legitimate, we will give it. That’s just the policy. We don't have a denial of access, but we must control the access,” Bersamin explained.
Under the new policy from the Ombudsman, SALNs may be requested without the consent of the official concerned. However, sensitive information such as permanent addresses and details of minor children will be redacted to prevent security risks.