Transparency and accountability in governance has been the on-going talk of the town especially on the issue of the public officials' Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALNs). According to the Ombudsman, the purpose of the filing of the SALN is to pursue the provision of Rule 8 of RA 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees".
Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez issued a new circular dated June 16, 2009 imposing a stricter guidelines on the issuance of the SALNs. Lawmakers banged the Ombudsman saying the circular infringes the public's right to information.
I guess the issuance had something to do with the continuous back-to-back investigative inquiries on the SALNs of the Arroyo's. With so much corruption, the Philippines is losing the values of transparency and accountability in governance. Why would the Office of the Ombudsman, a truly independent office and protector of the people (as stated in their mission-vision) require such very strict procedure? The SALN is a public document for the public to know. With this new circular, delays in SALN request approval is highly probable, thereby causing delays also in follow-up investigations.
Well, if public officials are not guilty, they should have nothing to worry about.
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