City dad tells gov't workers to file SAL's

Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the committee on laws, ordinances, good government and public accountability, reminded all government officials to submit their statement of assets and liabilities at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Labella, a former director of the Ombudsman, said that all government officials are required to submit their statement of assets and liabilities after the end of every year to check on their accumulated wealth.

The yearly submission of assets and liabilities also covers net worth and other financial and business interests of public officials, their spouses and relatives, Labella added.

Under R.A. No. 6713 or An Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials and employees states "public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living in their households."

The documents must be filed within thirty days after assumption of office or on or before April 30, of every year.

"A law provides that regional and local officials, such as the elective officials of Cebu City, have to file their SAL's with the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas," Labella said.

Under Sec. 11 of penalty clauses provides that any public official or employee, regardless of whether or not he holds office or employment in a casual, temporary, holdover, permanent or regular capacity, committing any violation of this Act shall be punished with a fine not exceeding the equivalent of six months' salary or suspension not exceeding one (1) year, or removal depending on the gravity of the offense after due notice and hearing by the appropriate body or agency. - Garry B. Lao