The House of Representatives of the Philippines said it respects the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman and will process requests for Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of lawmakers in accordance with its rules, according to Secretary-General Cheloy Garafil.
The response came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla issued a subpoena seeking SALNs, including that of former deputy secretary-general Sofonias Gabonada, in connection with a plunder investigation tied to the 2025 budget.
Remulla said the documents are needed to check for possible undeclared wealth or financial irregularities, while the House assured it has no intention of delaying or disregarding the request.
He also disclosed that plunder charges are being prepared against Martin Romualdez and Francis Escudero over alleged involvement in budget-related anomalies.
The development highlights growing scrutiny over public officials’ financial disclosures and the handling of government funds.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 8, 2026
