LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Sunday gave his unequivocal and full support to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s move to reopen public access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of all public officials, describing it as “a historic step toward ending secrecy, fighting corruption, and restoring the people’s faith in government.”
Santos said Remulla’s initiative to lift the restrictions imposed under a 2020 policy marks a crucial step toward rebuilding public trust in government.
“Public office is a public trust. The people have the right to know how their officials manage their wealth and live up to the ethical standards set by law,” Santos said. “I fully support Ombudsman Remulla’s initiative to reverse the restrictive 2020 policy that limited public access to SALNs.”
The 2020 memorandum issued by then Ombudsman Samuel Martires required the consent of public officials before their SALNs could be released — a rule widely criticized for shielding officials from scrutiny.
Santos emphasized that Remulla’s plan aligns with Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which mandates that SALNs be open for public inspection and copying upon reasonable request.
“Transparency tools like the SALN system are essential in deterring corruption and rebuilding public trust in institutions,” Santos said. “The government should not hide behind the excuse of data privacy when it comes to accountability. As long as safeguards are in place, there is no reason why the people should be kept in the dark.”
Santos also welcomed Remulla’s commitment to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects, vowing that “no one will be spared,” even among top officials.
“That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in the Office of the Ombudsman,” Santos said. “No sacred cows — just the truth and the law. I look forward to working with Ombudsman Remulla in strengthening institutional integrity and ending impunity in public service.”
Remulla earlier said the SALNs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte may be among those accessible to the public starting next week. He also indicated openness to releasing SALNs dating back to 2016.
“This is public information we’re talking about,” Remulla said. “We are talking about transparency here — so let’s go all the way.”
