Ex-Tawi-Tawi governor charged for defective assets and liability reports

MANILA, Philippines — With the deadline for filing coming up soon, the Ombudsman seems to be warning public officials and employees not to take for granted the formalities in filing a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has announced her office will criminally charge a former Tawi-Tawi governor for not properly filing his SALN for six years.

Former Tawi-Tawi governor Sadikul Sahali will be charged with six counts of violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees or Republic Act 6713, according to the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman said on Tuesday the former governor’s SALN for 2007 to 2011 were not subscribed before a notary public and that he did not sign his SALN for 2012.

The six SALNs for 2007 to 2012 were also filed past the April 30 annual deadline, the Ombudsman added.

The Ombudsman is reminding all public officials and regular state employees that they are required each year to fill up a form declaring their assets, liabilities, net worth as well as financial and business interests including those of their spouses and unmarried children below 18 years old who are living with them.  SFM