A simple question of accountability

Recently, the Inquirer published a number of articles on the controversy regarding the release of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of the members of the Judiciary. I commend the decision of Justices Antonio Carpio and Maria Lourdes Sereno for releasing the summaries of their SALNs, and I believe it would be in the best interest of the public—and of the Judiciary, for that matter—for the other justices, Chief Justice Renato Corona included, to follow suit.

I understand that the Supreme Court will be holding an en banc session in order to settle this issue once and for all—to determine whether or not full disclosure should be and can be made by the members of the Judiciary.

I believe that the issue in itself need not be so controversial. All the justices have to do is to show their SALNs to the public as a gesture of good faith, as a sign that they too hold themselves accountable to the Filipino people, whom they have sworn to serve.

—NICOLO CHUA,

jamesnicolochua@gmail.com