Court convicts 2 BOC employees over non-declaration of assets in SALN

MANILA, Philippines–The Manila Metropolitan Trial Court convicted two Bureau of Customs employees for non-declaration of assets in their statement of assets, liabilities and networth (SALN).

In a 16-page Decision, Judge Glenda R. Mendoza-Ramos of the Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 30, Manila imposed on spouses Teotimo and Vivian Sacluti the penalty of fine of P5,000 for each of six counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act  No. 6713 otherwise known as the  Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The court found the two guilty for failure to declare their business interest and financial connection with Bodgie Motor and Iron Works in their joint Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for six years from 2000 to 2005.

“It is not uncommon that mistakes or omissions may be committed as most in the public service are not properly adept in accomplishing it (SALN). Be that as it may, a public official or employee must comply with what the SALN requires to be disclosed and absent any clear showing of mere oversight, inadvertence or the like will not exempt anyone from liability under the law,” the lower court said.

She added that “a public official or employee being a public servant has the duty and obligation to disclose all his wealth as well as liabilities whenever called to public service. Such requirement is a compliment to the constitutional mandate that public service is a public trust and public officials must live a simple life.”

Both accused were acquitted, however, from the separate charges of perjury.

The case stemmed from a complaint received by the Department of Finance through their hotline accusing spouses Sacluti of engaging in corrupt practices.