Malacañang On Ombudsman’s Proposal To Enforce “Stringent Penalties” vs Critics Of SALNs

Malacañang on Ombudsman’s proposal to enforce “stringent penalties” against critics of SALNs.

Here’s a statement from the Malacañang on the Ombudsman’s proposal to enforce “stringent penalties” against people “commenting” on government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Malacañang on Proposal of Ombudsman Samuel Martires
Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson / Facebook

On Friday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Presidential press briefing that Malacañang will respect Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ proposal to penalize those who made comments on government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Nirerespeto po namin ang opinion ng Ombudsman dahil [ito] ay constitutional body. We respect his opinion,” Roque said.

Roque’s statement came after Ombudsman Samuel Martires proposed to enforce “stringent penalties” against people “commenting” on Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of government officials.

Just like the Commission on Audit (COA), the Office of the Ombudsman was also a constitutional body.

READ ALSO: Martires Proposes To Enforce “Stringent Penalties” vs People “Commenting” On Gov’t Officials’ SALN

Ombudsman Martires said during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives last Thursday that imprisonment of not less than five years should be imposed against individuals who made comments on Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of government officials.

GMA News Online reported that Martires was proposing an amendment on Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

As stated under Section 8 (D) of RA 6713, it shall be unlawful for any person to use or obtain any statement filed under the said Act for:

  • any purpose contrary to morals or public policy; or
  • any commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.

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