HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila M. de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist has joined calls for government officials to disclose their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) to promote transparency and accountability.
In a statement released on September 23, 2025, De Lima went further, urging additional measures to combat corruption.
Beyond SALN disclosure and bank secrecy waivers, De Lima called on the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to issue freeze orders on the bank accounts of DPWH officials, contractors, and lawmakers implicated in anomalous flood control and other government infrastructure projects, including their family members. She emphasized the need for open scrutiny of their bank accounts and transactions to ensure full transparency.
De Lima also highlighted the importance of passing House Bill No. 2897, the “People’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act of 2025,” which she is advocating for.
She stated that the FOI Act is crucial to addressing vulnerabilities arising from a lack of transparency and access to information, ensuring that the release of SALNs and related documents from government officials becomes a standard procedure rather than a struggle. De Lima asserted that honesty and accountability should be the standard operating procedure in government, not kickbacks, theft, and plundering of public funds.
