Martires proposed to enforce “stringent penalties” against people “commenting” on government officials’ SALN.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires proposed to enforce “stringent penalties” against people “commenting” on government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
During the House committee on appropriations’ budget hearing for his office, Martires said that he wanted to reconcile RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) with RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) on the SALN and to provide safety nets so that a SALN can be published, but no person should be allowed to “comment” on the SALN of a particular government employee or official.
“What I’m proposing is to make stringent penalties that anyone who makes a comment on the SALN of a particular government official or employee must likewise be liable for at least an imprisonment of not less than five years,” Martires said.
A section of Republic Act 6713 stated that it’s unlawful for anyone to obtain or to use any statement, like Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), filed under the law 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”.
READ ALSO | De Lima to Duterte: “Bakit naduduwag ka sa paglabas ng SALN mo?”
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate had pointed out that the Ombudsman’s proposal was dangerous since those making commentaries were also guaranteed of the freedom of expression under the Constitution.
Martires remained firm and said that he will “not yield to public opinion” to release the SALN of any government official since this will violate Memorandum Circular No. 1, which he issued last year.
The circular, according to a report on CNN Philippines, required consent from the owner of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for its release.
“I am sorry to say that. I am willing to be removed from office to defend the memorandum circular I issued,” Martires said.
Earlier, Malacañang said that it’s up to the Ombudsman to release the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of President Rodrigo Duterte.
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