49 PNP-Central Visaya personnel fail to submit SALN

CEBU, Philippines - At least 49 out of more than 7,000 members of the Philippine National Police in Region 7 failed to submit their respective Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN).

 Superintendent Henry Biñas, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Branch (RIDMB), said the police officers were ordered to submit their respective SALNs and to explain their failure to submit on time.

 Most of the 49 cops are non-uniformed personnel (NUP) and police non-commissioned officers (from police officer 1 to senior police officer 4).

 Under the law, Biñas said, police officers are required to submit their SALNs yearly. The submission must be made on or before April 1.

The SALN is a declaration under oath of government officials and employees of their assets, liabilities, net worth, and business and financial interest of his or her spouse, and his or her unmarried children under 18-year-old.

Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees, state that all government officials and employees are required to file their SALN yearly declaring their net worth in the previous year.

 Failure to disclose or misdeclaration of any asset, liability, business interest, financial connection, and relative in the government in his or her SALN is also punishable under RA 6713.

Biñas said if the PNP personnel fail to comply despite the order, they will be charged administratively with a corresponding penalty, including suspension from service.

 Biñas explained that the SALNs will be the basis for the conduct of a lifestyle check of the police officers.

 The SALN is needed in order to review the increase or decrease of one's assets. Biñas added if one's assets are not proportionate with his or her income, it is presumed an ill-gotten wealth.

 Earlier, Police Regional Office-7 director Noli Taliño said he wants to have his men undergo a lifestyle check as part of their cleansing program within the organization. (FREEMAN)