Malacañang says stricter rules on lawmakers’ SALN release not in line with transparency

MALACAÑANG ON Monday said House Resolution 2467, which sets “stringent rules” on public access to lawmakers’ statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), “may not be consistent with transparency and accountability of public officials.” “We note the passage of a resolution… requiring plenary approval before it may release a copy of a member’s SALN to the public. Such a procedure may be perceived as a transgression of Article XI of the Constitution, requiring any public official to submit a SALN, in relation to Article II thereof which guarantees the right of the people to information on matters of public concern,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement. He noted that Republic Act No. 6713 makes SALN readily available to the public. “The Executive promoted transparency when the President issued Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on the Freedom of Information making effective the people’s right to information within its branch. Any stringent measure which burdens the people in obtaining public information may not be consistent with transparency and accountability of public officials,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin