Ombudsman releases over 1,600 financial disclosures
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The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines granted 1,655 requests for Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) in the past year.
Ombudsman Remulla removed restrictions on public and media access to these documents, reversing a policy put in place by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires. Previously, people needed a notarized letter from the official to view their financial disclosures.
Remulla stated that the wealth of public servants is a matter of public concern, arguing that citizens have a right to know how officials handle public funds. He explained that his first act as Ombudsman was to eliminate the barriers to accessing SALNs. The office believes that open access to SALNs is essential for transparency and accountability in government. This change allows the public and press to independently review officials’ financial holdings.
