Sen. Hontiveros reports P18.9M net worth, backs public SALN access

Senator Risa Hontiveros has disclosed her 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), reporting a net worth of P18.986 million.

Her declared assets total P19.884 million, with liabilities amounting to P897,840, primarily due to a car loan.

Hontiveros expressed strong support for removing restrictions on public access to SALNs, calling such limitations "unjust, unconstitutional and anti-people."

She believes that making SALNs publicly accessible is a crucial step in enhancing transparency and accountability within the government, especially amidst corruption allegations.

This action follows a recent memo from the Office of the Ombudsman, led by Jesus Crispin Remulla, which removed previous restrictions on accessing public officials' SALNs.

The Ombudsman's new policy applies to various high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, heads of constitutional offices, and local government officials, as the Ombudsman serves as the official custodian of their SALNs.

This policy marks a significant shift from the 2020 memo issued by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, which had imposed several restrictions on SALN disclosure, including requiring the SALN owner's consent.