MANILA – The Malacañang on Monday said the House of Representatives’ strict ruling on releasing the congressmen’s statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) may violate the constitution.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the strict procedure of the House may be “perceived as a transgression of Article XI (Accountability of Public Officers) of the Constitution.”
Panelo also noted that the Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees “make the said document readily available to the public.”
“Any stringent measure which burdens the people in obtaining public information may not be consistent with transparency and accountability of public officials,” Panelo added.
Based on the House Resolution 2467 adopted under House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week, access to SALNs require majority consent of lawmakers .
Individual requests of lawmakers for SALNs were to be filed to the Secretary General’s Office, except for those covered by subpoena.
If the request for a SALN is approved, the requesting party has to pay P300 per copy.
The strict ruling of the House has drawn flak with Vice President Leni Robredo saying that it might further erode the public’s trust on the institution.
Meanwhile House Majority leader Fredenil Castro defended the new ruling and said that it has made the access to congressmen’s SALN easier.
“I don’t think that they will allow themselves to be exploited just to protect, what you said, brother or sister. That is a prejudgment. Let us observe them kung paano nila i-comply ang kanilang obligation kung may roong situation na ganyan,” Castro said in a radio interview.
“While you enjoy the right to secure a copy of a SALN of the members or employees of the House of Representatives, ay kailangang may responsibilidad ka din na proteksyunan ang safety, security of these people,” he added.
Tha Capiz lawmaker also said that the resolution seeks to protect the House members from imposters, syndicates, blackmailers, extortionists and other unscrupulous individuals.
“Baka naman ang taong ito ay impostor na nagsasabi siya na media pero actually ito palang tao ito ay lumabas na kaanib o kasangkot sa mga krimen na nangyayari sa ating bansa,” Castro said./PN
