Ombudsman proposes to penalize SALN law commenters

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has proposed an amendment on the public access to the government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) law, seeking to imprison and fine individuals who will issue commentaries on SALNs of public officials.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires pushed to amend Republic Act no. 6713, providing up to five years imprisonment or pay a fine of P5,000 or both.

He also proposed to allow government officials to exclude real properties that they use for private dwellings in their respective SALNs.

Moreover, the OMB seeks to permit public officials not to declare transactions between themselves and their families.

Martires said SALN should strictly be limited to reporting of facts provided in the statement, and no further commentaries should be made.