Pasig court orders BIR officer: Pay P1,000-fine for SALN violation

A Pasig City court has ordered a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officer to pay P1,000 as fine for his failure to disclose his business interests and financial connections in his 2013 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

The Pasig City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 71 said BIR Officer III Caesar Cortes pleaded guilty as charged, and that he violated Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

RA 6713 mandates all public officials to disclose their business interests and financial connections, including those of their spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old.

It also makes it mandatory for the SALNs to be filed on or before April 30 of each year.  /kga