Robredo: Stricter rules for SALN deter transparency
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH/videos/2262431393780545/
MANILA, Philippines — Stricter rules in getting a copy of the statements of assets, liabilities, net worth (SALNs) of members of the House of Representatives are a blow in efforts to ensure transparency in government, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday.
“Bakit kailangang may itago?…Parang lalong binabawasan ang pagtitiwala ng tao sa kanila. Kaya sana mabago pa dahil malaking, malaking dagok na naman iyon sa mga initiatives natin for transparency and accountability,” Robredo said in “BISErbisyong Leni,” her weekly radio show aired over AM station DZXL.
[Why should they hide it?… It’s like they’re further weakening the trust of people in them. I hope this could be change because it’s a big blow to our initiatives for transparency and accountability.]
Robredo called the stricter requirements to get SALNs “unjust.”
“Para gawan ng exemption, ginawang mas istrikto para sa mga members ng Kongreso. Hindi iyon makatarungan, kasi gusto bang sabihin mas espesyal sila kaysa sa ibang mga public servants?” she said. “Gusto bang sabihin mas kailangan silang ma-protect kumpara sa ordinaryong naninilbihan sa pamahalaan?”
Article continues after this advertisement[To make exemptions, they made it stricter for members of Congress. That’s not just because. Are they trying to say that they’re more special than other public servants? Are they trying to say that they need to have more protection than ordinary employees in government?]
Article continues after this advertisementLast Jan. 31, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution providing new rules on releasing public documents.
The resolution will require a plenary approval — that is, the approval of the of the 292 district and party-list representatives — before any SALN could be released.
READ: Request for solons’ SALNs may soon need House plenary approval
The resolution also requires many submissions from the requesting party, even members of the media, such as “proof under oath of media affiliation, and media accreditation as a legitimate media practitioner.” /atm
