MANILA – Vice President Leni Robredo told the Office of the Ombudsman not to give politicians the license to hide their ill-gotten wealth with the removal of lifestyle check as well as the restriction to access statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).
Robredo said the recent directive of Ombudsman Samuel Martires would only send a “wrong signal” for corrupt officials to hide their accumulated wealth regardless of their salaries.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala na galing pa sa head ng opisina na dapat nag-iimbestiga,” Robredo said. “Parang binibigyan mo ng license ang mga public officials na magtago ng kanilang mga yaman na hindi dapat.”
“Public office is a public trust. Dapat sinusubukan natin sa araw-araw na ‘yung tiwala sa atin ng mamamayan nandyan,” she added. “‘Yun ang dahilan kung bakit ang SALN ay requirement.”
During the Ombudsman’s budget hearing before the House of Representatives last week, Martires ordered a restriction of public access to SALN since it was being used as tools to “weaponize” against enemies in politics.
He also scrapped the conduct of lifestyle checks, saying any government official with “distorted values or priorities” and “lives beyond his means” cannot be immediately accused of committing a corrupt act.
Martires also reasoned that there were questionable and “illogical” provisions under Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which requires public officials and employees to file a SALN.
The Office of the Ombudsman is mandated to check on public officials accused of crimes, especially graft and corruption./PN
