House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno is advocating for fewer legal restrictions on public access to government officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
Puno emphasized that SALNs should be public records, as their purpose is to ensure that officials are not hiding ill-gotten wealth.
He criticized a 2020 Ombudsman memorandum that limited access to SALNs, suggesting that it should be amended if it conflicts with the law.
He argued that since public office is a public trust, all documents required to hold such positions should be open to scrutiny.
This statement comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption related to flood control projects and a lifestyle check order for executive branch officials from President Marcos.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 31, 2025
