Pampanga group draws lesson from CJ trial
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—A civil society group in Pampanga began last week a campaign encouraging all incumbent elected and appointed officials in Pampanga to disclose their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) in the run-up to its April 30 filing deadline.
The Kapampangan Manalakaran Inc. (Kamai) said the officials, starting from Gov. Lilia Pineda down to barangay leaders, should make public their SALNs during their years of service in government by posting this in the official website of their local governments.
The local SALN campaign was inspired by the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, said lawyer Ma. Amelia Tiglao-Cayanan, Kamai spokesperson.
“The impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona has come down to issues of public leadership and accountability: honesty, trustworthiness and loyalty to duty,” Kamai said in a statement.
“The same trial is a test of our nation’s democracy as it is a time for our people to reckon with truth,” it said.
The SALN, it added, is a yardstick of honesty and transparency and anchored on the maxim “public office is a public trust.”
The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) requires government officials to file their SALNs.
“The 2013 election is around the corner and our cabalen (province mates) should be well informed on the net worth of our government officials, who are running the affairs of different barangays, cities/towns, districts, party-lists, and the province of Pampanga,” said Kamai.
Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, president of the Pampanga Mayors League, said he would disclose his SALN provided those in Congress, especially members of the prosecution in Corona’s impeachment trial, would disclose theirs.
“It should start from the top,” said Pelayo.
The new SALN form requires the declaration of personal and family expenses. Several legislators have opposed this, saying laws did not require these details. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon
