5 Makabayan bloc solons release SALN to public

Makabayan bloc during a press briefing at the House of Representatives on October 9, 2019. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO / NOY MORCOSO

MANILA, Philippines — Five of the six members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives have so far released their latest statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) to the public.

The five Makabayan lawmakers who have released their SALN are Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, and Eufemia Cullamat; ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro; and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas have yet to release her SALN.

According to submitted SALN as of December 31, 2019, Gaite is the richest among the five Makabayan lawmakers, followed by Zarate and Castro.

Here is the net worth of the five Makabayan lawmakers:

• Gaite (P3,754,309.60)
• Zarate (1,805,092.18)
• Castro (P1,252,026.49)
• Elago (P104,400)
• Cullamat (P35,000)

The filing of SALN is required under Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires earlier issued new guidelines on the request for copies of a government official’s SALN, limiting it to the declarant and to officers conducting investigations.

But Morales’ predecessor, former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, said this move goes against a constitutional principle which calls for transparency.

In the upper chamber, Senator Cynthia Villar remains the richest member of the Senate while Senator Leila de Lima is the poorest.

JPV