Ombudsman Samuel Martires wants to open to the public the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth submitted by all government officials and personnel, including that of the president, to ensure transparency.

But Martires’ proposal to amend Republic Act 6713 or the SALN law has a catch - persons making commentaries on published SALN will face five years in prison.

Appearing before the House Committee on Appropriations to brief lawmakers on the proposed 2022 budget for his office, Martires said that in the meantime that the law has not yet been amended, his order to protect the SALN of government from media scrutiny will stay.

Martires' reason in imposing stringent measures to keep SALN reports away from the prying eyes of the public appeared to be personal.

“I am a victim of that,” he said recounting that he was pictured by the media as having enriched himself by P15 million in one month while serving as court official.

“Sana nagtanong sila kung saan galing ang pera mo (They should have asked where one’s money came from),” he lamented.

Citing a provision of RA 6713, Martires has barred the media or any person from getting a glimpse of SALN filed by government officials, including the president.

“I don’t really know what is the purpose of the people who are interested int he SALN of the president and the vice president. Why is that it is only the president and vice president that considered to be liable for corruption,” he said.

He pointed out that corruption can also be committed by a mere typist of a licensing agency even if the bribe he gets in doing his job is just P20.

The SALN issue was raised by Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate who noted that Martires pledged last year to propose amendments to RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Employees.” Zarate noted that Martires has failed to make good his pledge as the Lower House has not received any legislative proposal from the Ombudsman.

“One of the contentious provisions actually is on the SALN. I want to reconcile 6713 with 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) on the SALN top provide safety nets so that a SALN can be published,” Martires said.

However, he stressed that his proposal makes it criminal for a person to comment on the SALN.

“So what I am proposing is to make stringent penalties that anyone who makes a comment on this SALN of a particular government official and employee must likewise be liable for at least an imprisonment of not less than five years,” the country’s top anti-graft prosecutor stated.

Reacting to Martires’ proposal, Zarate warned that it violates the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.

“And also, the principle of transparency and accountability na nasa Konstitusyon,” he pointed out.