Akbayan leads other groups in seeking copies of SALNs of Pres Marcos, VP Duterte, other incumbent officials
The Akbayan Party-List led other groups in seeking copies of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of President Marcos, Vice President Duterte, and other incumbent and past officials of government.
In a letter sent to the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), the groups also wanted to get copies of the SALNs of officials of constitutional commissions and former Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
Akbayan President Rafaela David said that the release of SALNs is the first step towards meeting the public's demand for accountability and transparency.
The letter stated: "Our request is a test of this government's seriousness to address the massive corruption scandal. We will not accept half-measures. The Ombudsman must heed the public's demand for transparency and immediately release the SALNs of the country's top officials.”
It also pointed out: “The greater the power, the greater the demands for transparency and accountability. Our highest officials must be subjected to the highest levels of scrutiny. Access to their SALNs for the past years allows us to identify red flags, especially if there is unexplained or undeclared wealth."
Akbayan was also joined by Tindig Pilipinas during the filing of its letter request.
Tindig Pilipinas and Buhay ang People Power convenor Kiko Dee said that the release of SALNs is the "bare minimum" needed by the public to check on the officials who have vowed to serve them.
Dee lauded Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for making SALNs accessible again, which will "clear the very low bar set by his predecessor."
The groups asked other Filipinos to file similar requests in designated SALN repository agencies.
"Binabaha tayo dahil sa pagnanakaw ng mga kurakot. Bahain din natin ng requests ang mga ahensya para maramdaman nila ang galit ng taumbayan, (We are suffering from floods because of the thievery of the corrupt. Let us flood agencies with requests as well so they will feel the anger of the people)," the groups said.