Directive to Make Concerned Officials' SALN Accessible to the Public and Their Inquiries

June 29, 2012

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 116-12

 

The 1987 Philippine Constitution and Republic Act 6713 require public officials and employees in general to file their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) in the manner prescribed by existing rules and regulations. Premised on promoting transparency in government service, the directive is obligatory as it helps abate corruption in the government through the filing of SALN before the Office of the Ombudsman to make these documents transparent and readily available to the public. The truthful filing of the same is, therefore, its meaningful compliance with the law. cEHSTC

Recent developments in Philippine political landscape, however, brought about by the impeachment process showed that the purpose for which the SALN law was incepted can be circumvented or defeated. There is, therefore, the timely need to remind Department officials and local elective officials that they should file their SALN religiously for the purpose of honest and accurate disclosure of their assets and liabilities. Apropos, government officials from this Department and the LGUs should be cued that other than filing, they should make their SALN accessible to the public and their inquiries.

In view of the foregoing considerations and the Department's power to ensure faithful compliance with existing law, rules and regulations, all local chief executives of provinces, cities and municipalities and barangays, concerned LGU officials, officials of this Department, regional directors, their employees and others concerned are hereby enjoined to:

1. Cause the filing of their SALN religiously within the time and under the conditions set by law for the purpose of honest and accurate disclosure of their assets and liabilities;

2. To recognize and observe the public's right of access to the SALN of concerned officials and employees by making these documents available to them upon proper request subject to reasonable rules and regulations on the time, purpose, manner and frequency of the endeavor; and,

3. To ensure that faithful compliance with the preceding requirement is adhered to.

All DILG Regional Directors are likewise enjoined to cause the immediate and widest dissemination of this Memorandum Circular within their regional assignments.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

(SGD.) JESSE M. ROBREDOSecretary