Opposition solons file HR 217 for public SALN disclosure

Four opposition lawmakers, including Deputy Minority Leader Chel Diokno, have filed House Resolution 217, urging for the public disclosure of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of all House members.

They stated that public SALN disclosure is crucial for transparency and accountability, especially amid congressional probes into anomalous flood control deals.

The resolution aims to enforce Republic Act 6713, which mandates SALNs to be available for inspection and copying, a provision that has often not been followed.

Additionally, the lawmakers cited a 2020 Ombudsman memorandum that restricted access to net worth statements, further curtailing public scrutiny.