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Ombudsman Morales releases SALN
13 January 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman released today copies of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, after two media personnel filed the required Request Form.

When asked by the press during an official function yesterday morning about reports that she had not disclosed her SALN, Ombudsman Morales stated that there are regulations to be followed before a request for a copy of the SALN of a government official or employee is granted, such as the filing of a verified Request Form indicating therein a legitimate purpose for the request.

The Office of the Ombudsman’s Public Assistance Bureau (PAB) where SALN requests are filed, belied the report that the Office refuses to disclose the Ombudsman’s SALN, and revealed that since Ombudsman Morales assumed office, the PAB has not received any “Request Form” concerning the Ombudsman’s SALN until yesterday when two media reporters accomplished a SALN Request Form.

After evaluating the request forms filed yesterday by Philippine Star reporter Michael Punongbayan and News5 news team member Dave Gonzales, the PAB approved the requests and made available the copies of the SALN to the requesters.

As of press time, another news staff member also filed a Request Form.

          Ombudsman Morales filed her SALN on July 29, 2011 or “within 30 days after assumption of office” pursuant to Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”

Under the Revised Guidelines governing access to SALNs filed with the Ombudsman [Memorandum Circular No. 1 (2009)], all requests for copies of SALNs, which must be made in the prescribed form and under oath, shall be filed with the PAB which shall then determine if the requested SALN is in the custody of the Office or another agency.

             Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution 06-0231, Section 5 enumerates the concerned agencies where SALNs are to be transmitted, and that the Office of the Ombudsman is the repository of the SALNs of the President, Vice President, Chairperson and Commissioners of the Constitutional Commissions and Offices, while the SALNs of other government officials are in the custody of seven other government agencies or offices.

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