Business groups in the Philippines are advocating for mandatory lifestyle checks on public officials to enhance accountability. They believe that just making statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) accessible is not enough to tackle corruption effectively.
Recent comments from various organizations, including the Justice Reform Initiative and the Makati Business Club, highlight that while the Office of the Ombudsman has improved public access to SALNs, we need more stringent verification. The groups argue that without solid checks, SALNs are symbolic and do not genuinely prevent corruption.
Modern technology can aid these checks. Spending habits, social media, and ownership of luxury items can now be tracked digitally. This makes it easier to compare a public official’s declared wealth with their actual lifestyle.
Last month, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla removed restrictions on SALN access, reversing a previous policy. This move aims to boost transparency and curb corruption.
As mandated by the Constitution, public officials must submit a sworn SALN when they take office, and high-ranking officials must publicly disclose theirs. Additionally, Republic Act 6713 states that SALNs should include the public officials’ family living with them and be updated yearly.
There are strict penalties for those who fail to comply or who are found guilty of corruption, including imprisonment and disqualification from office. A recent Supreme Court ruling confirmed that any property noticeably exceeding an official’s declared income is presumed to be ill-gotten, reinforcing the need for lifestyle audits.
The business groups insist that discrepancies found during these audits should lead to immediate investigations by the Ombudsman. They’re also urging the public to be vigilant and report any signs of unexplained wealth among officials.
As one group member put it, “We can no longer turn a blind eye to corruption. We must demand integrity from our leaders.” This call reflects a growing frustration among the public, amplified by social media discussions highlighting instances of unexplained wealth among officials.
In conclusion, for genuine progress, lifestyle audits and public scrutiny are crucial steps. Transparency should not just be a buzzword but a concrete part of governance. This could pave the way for a more accountable and corruption-free government.
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