Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has issued a stern warning to members of Congress, including the House Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General, to comply with the submission of their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
The directive comes after reports that Deputy Secretary General Gabonada Jr. failed to submit the required SALN, highlighting what Remulla described as a persistent issue among congressional officials.
“Pero ang secretary general kasi matagal nang umiiwas na ibigay sa amin ang nire-request nating mga SALN,” he said during a press conference Monday.
Remulla stressed that non-compliance poses a serious problem.
“Ito po ay magkakaroon na tayo ng medyo problema sapagkat ito po ay tungkulin nila na sumusunod sa kautusan ng Ombudsman,” he emphasized.
Starting Tuesday, April 7, subpoenas will be issued to all congressmen, the House Secretary General, and Deputy Secretary General to ensure submission of their SALNs covering the past ten years or the duration of their service in Congress.
“Kaya ngayon, lahat ng congressman, hinihingi na po namin ang mga SALN noong sampung taon ay kung gaano katagal man sila sa Kongreso,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman also extended the order to all past secretary generals and deputy secretaries general within the same period. He warned against defiance:
“Bibigyan pa namin sila ng subpoena bukas at sana ‘wag silang magkakamaling humindi sapakat na hindi po kami papayag na hindi sila mag-comply sa kautusan,” Remulla concluded.