Ombudsman implements e-SALN program

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has started the nationwide implementation of its web-based electronic filing system for the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of government officials and employees.

 

In her recently signed Memorandum Circular No. 2, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales directed all heads of the departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the national and local government units to submit to the ombudsman all original hard copies of the SALNs of their respective officials and employees together with the corresponding electronic copies on or before June 30 of every year.

 

Also given the same directive were the Armed Forces of the Philippines, government-owned and controlled corporations and their subsidiaries and all other concerned offices.

 

The electronic copy of the SALN must be in PDF format and individually saved per declarant in compact discs or flash drives.

 

The circular also requires the submission of a certification stating that the electronically submitted SALNs are faithful reproductions of the original copies.

 

The circular took effect on Sept. 27, 2017, the ombudsman said.

 

READ: Palace: No more redactions on acquisition cost of properties on SALN

 

The implementation of the electronic filing of SALN is in accordance with the memorandum of agreement signed between the Office of the Ombudsman and the World Bank in May 2013 for the project dubbed as "Enhancing the Income and Asset Declaration System."

 

The project aims to develop a digital-based online system for the bureaucracy-wide filing of SALNs beginning 2018.

 

Under the new system, any official or employee of the government may access, fill-up and file the SALN over the internet using a web browser.

 

The electronic filing of SALN was partially implemented in May last year in selected government agencies including the ombudsman, the Civil Service Commission and Anti-Money Laundering Council.

 

"The electronic SALN is a key institutional mechanism to combat corruption and promote accountability and ethical standards in public service,” the ombudsman said in a statement.

 

Section 8 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees mandates all government officials and employees to file their SALNs within 30 days after assumption of office, or on or before April 30 of every year thereafter, and within 30 days after separation from the service.