The SALN as an anti-corruption tool
One thing good that could possibly result from the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona would be the voluntary or enforced disclosure of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials and employees as mandated by law. It would be hypocritical for those who are accusing the Chief Justice of violating the Constitution and the law if they themselves, especially the public prosecutors, refuse to produce their SALNs as reported by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. On the part of President Aquino, he can prove that he is serious, impartial and fair in his avowed drive against graft and corruption by directing high government officials, notably those listed under Article XI, Section 17 of the Constitution, to have their SALNs opened to public scrutiny.
Furthermore, the relevant laws (Republic Act 3019 and Republic Act 6713) should be reviewed and amended to remove certain ambiguities, by providing specific guidelines for the receipt, custody and disclosure of SALNs. The law should also mandate the scrutiny of SALNs filed by government personnel, not only during their terms of office, but also upon their leaving the service and before they are issued official exit clearances. This will put them on notice that amassing ill-gotten wealth while in the employ of the government does not pay and that public office is indeed a public trust.
Amendments in the law could be made as part of the proposed Freedom of Information bill now pending in Congress. The President should immediately certify the bill as urgent and work for its immediate enactment. By doing this, his overriding goal of a “matuwid na daan” will greatly be strengthened and will boost his image as an authentic advocate of good governance.
—AMADOR F. ASTUDILLO,
