Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he would allow access to government officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) if appointed Ombudsman but stressed the need for safeguards to prevent harassment and misuse.
In a press briefing after his Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) interview on Tuesday, Remulla warned against weaponizing SALNs against public officials.
“I think that’s the most important thing. The SALN should not be used for vilification purposes. It should not be used for blackmail. The problem here is people can be kidnapped if you reveal what is there, so we have to be careful about this information,” he said.
Remulla clarified that SALNs could be released for legitimate investigative reports or requests from government agencies, provided proper safeguards are in place.
“We can provide the SALN, basta with the proper safeguards lang kasi we also have to protect the people,” he added.
Regarding proposals to expand lifestyle checks on government officials, Remulla said he would be “guided by public sentiment.”
“I think the community will be the ones to tell us. Ang taumbayan ang pwede magsabi kung anong nangyayari sa mga paligid nila,” he said.
Remulla also addressed the complaint filed by Senator Imee Marcos over the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands.
“I will be filing a motion to resolve as soon as possible. Trabaho namin yun to keep the country stable, to prevent violence… and I think we were able to peacefully bring him out abroad to face the charges against him without hurting anybody physically,” he explained.
The JBC on Tuesday concluded its interviews for the Ombudsman post. Alongside Remulla, PCSO Chair Felix Reyes, RTC Judge Jayson Rodenas, and retired RTC Judge Benjamin Turgano also faced the council to discuss their qualifications.
The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body tasked with addressing complaints against public officials and ensuring accountability in government service.