Labella wants SC to revoke resolution on SALN

AMID the ongoing impeachment trial, the Supreme Court was asked to repeal an en banc resolution prohibiting the public disclosure of the statement of assets and liabilities of the judiciary.

Cebu City Councilor Edgar Labella said he will present a draft resolution to the council in its session this Wednesday for this purpose.

He said the SC’s en banc resolution is contrary to public accountability.

Labella cited the Constitution saying that a “public office is a public trust and public officers and employees must all times be accountable to the people and serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency.”

An SC clerk of court told the senator-judges last week that Corona’s SALN cannot be made public in compliance with the en banc resolution and unless authorized by the SC.

Labella said it is a policy of the state to promote a high ethical standard in public service and among public officials and employees as provided for in the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for government officials and employees.

Republic Act 6713 also requires the submission of their SALN including those of their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years old.  The SALN should be executed 30 days from assumption to office.

“The law further provides that any and all statements filed under the said law shall be made available for inspection at reasonable hours and or copying or reproduction 10 working days from the time they are filed,” Labella said. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac