5 of 9 Cebu solons yet to disclose SALN

Four down, five to go.

Amid calls to make public their latest Sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), Rep. Arturo “Boy” Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City said he would fax a copy today to Cebu Daily News.

His spokesman Jonji Gonzalez said the first-time legislator was ready to disclose contents of the record, which all government personnel are required by law to file 30 days after they take office, and every April 30 thereafter to promote “transparency and accountability” in government.

Four other Cebu congressmen asked for more time to show their SALN, when CDN requested for access to the record.

Some solons said they had to check first with procedures for release in the House of Representatives because there was a period of “corrections”.

Rep. Eduardo Gullas of the 1st district had no immediate reply to CDN’s request although he readily texted his comments on Tuesday’s conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying the country “must move on.”

At the Capitol, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the SALN was a “non-issue” for her becaue she’s always been “transparent” about her SALN since her first term in 2004.

Her brother 3rd district Rep. Pablo John Garcia and 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon earlier asked for more time, saying they are making use of the period for revision to “correct” entries reviewed by the House.

The governor’s father Deputy House Speaker Rep. Pablo Garcia, through a staff member, said a copy of his 2012 SALN could be obtained at his office in the House of Representatives since they don’t have a copy in Cebu.

A call for full transparency was underscored by Tuesday’s ouster of Chief Justice Corona over his failure to declare his full cash assets in the SALN.

Cebu Daily News asked nine Cebu lawmakers to disclose their current SALNs which are filed with the Secretary General‘s office in Quezon City.

Rep. Red Durano of the 5th district and Rep. Luigi Quisumbing of the 6th district were the first to give copies to CDN even before House Speaker Feliciano said on Tuesday evening that all legislators should make their SALN public.

Durano listed his net worth as P13.6 million, while Quisumbing recorded his net worth at P15.8 million.

Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña listed himself as worth P5.1 million, while Rep. Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar of the north district declared a net worth of P30.01 million.