The House of Representatives will review the rules on the public disclosure of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of its members to promote transparency and accountability, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said Wednesday, adding that he is ready to make his own SALN public if needed to set an example.
In a radio interview, Dy said House members are generally open to the idea and will discuss formal procedures during the congressional break to ensure consistent and transparent disclosure.
“Actually, hindi naman formal na napag-uusapan pero ‘yung usap-usapan ng mga miyembro ng House, willing naman sila,” Dy told veteran broadcaster Ted Failon and DJ Chacha.
“Sa tingin ko, magandang mapag-usapan ‘yan. During our break, pag-uusapan naming mabuti para makapaglabas kami [ng malinaw na patakaran kung paano namin ipapakita] ang suporta sa paglalabas ng aming mga SALN.”
The Speaker’s statement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla issued a new memorandum reopening public access to SALNs.
“Hintayin na lang natin kung ano pa ‘yung mga susunod na kautusan para talagang maging transparent at maipakita ang SALN ng bawat mambabatas.”
The directive allows the public to obtain copies—with sensitive personal data redacted—within 10 working days after filing.
Remulla also said he would request copies of SALNs from both the Senate and the House, noting that all government official and employees should file with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Dy recalled that SALNs of lawmakers used to be open to public inspection and said Congress should return to that practice.
“Noong panahon natin, open naman para makita ng publiko ‘yung ating SALN,” he told Failon, noting that they both served in the same Congress more than two decades ago.
“Hintayin na lang natin kung ano pa ‘yung mga susunod na kautusan para talagang maging transparent at maipakita ang SALN ng bawat mambabatas,” he added.
Asked by Failon if he would lead by example in making his SALN public, Dy said he is ready to do so. According to Dy, “kung kinakailangan, siyempre, lead by example tayo.”
