Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reminded the public on Saturday, October 25, that requests for Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of government officials — including that of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. — must only be granted for legitimate purposes and not be used for political attacks.
In an interview with reporters, Bersamin acknowledged that the 1987 Constitution recognizes the SALN as a public document, but he stressed that its release must follow existing rules and due process.
“Doon sa SALN, meron kaming sinusunod na guidelines, dahil kahit sinabi sa constitution na should be public document be accessible to public… you cannot allow discrimination in the freedom to access their SALNs. Take note that SALN contains details that might compromise the security and safety of the public officials concerned. Our existing rules apply that access to SALN should have a good reason,” Bersamin said.
Calls for the release of the President’s SALN resurfaced after several lawmakers made their own disclosures amid ongoing corruption controversies, particularly those linked to flood control projects. Authorities are also conducting investigations into the assets and business interests of certain government officials.
Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla lifted several restrictions on public access to SALNs previously imposed by his predecessor Samuel Martires, though the revised policy only applies to officials under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction. Members of Congress, meanwhile, retain discretion over whether to release their own SALNs.
Bersamin cautioned against weaponizing SALNs to harass or publicly expose personal information of public officials, underscoring that the document exists to promote transparency and accountability, not to malign or endanger individuals.
He added that Cabinet members have the same discretion, noting that they too are entitled to privacy and security.
“We must not forget that cabinet secretaries are entitled to security and privacy. Wala naman problema kung legitimate ang rason, bibigay namin ‘yan. Ganoon lang ang policy. Wala kaming denial of access. But we must control the access,” Bersamin said.