NUJP: Tighter access to House members' SALNs means less transparency

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists on Saturday hit a House of Representatives move to restrict access to lawmakers’ wealth declarations, stressing that such documents are public records and should be readily accessible.

To access the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, or SALN, of nearly 300 House members, one would have to shell out at least P90,000 if the request for a copy is granted, as stipulated in Resolution 2467, which the lower chamber adopted on Wednesday.

Even if the requirements are met, a request could be denied if the House decides it has no merit, the resolution states.

“We find it ironic that a document meant to help advance transparency in government is now being subjected to so many rules and restrictions by the very people entrusted to craft the laws of the land,” the NUJP said.

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“House Resolution 2467 and Congress’ continued failure to pass the Freedom of Information Bill gives us reason to suspect this legislature intends to reverse whatever advances in honest and transparent governance have been made through the years,” it added.

“Government officials are fond of saying that those who have nothing to hide should not fear disclosure nor scrutiny. Why then should members of the House fear these now?”

Under the House resolution, the director of the House records management service “shall, in all cases, redact or blacken” certain information, including the member’s address, names of unmarried children below 18 years of age living in his household and exact location of real properties.

Member’s business and financial interests, names of relatives in government and details of government-issued identification cards will be crossed out as well.

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees requires lawmakers and other government personnel to declare their business and financial interests in any corporation or business entity so the public, including the media, would know if there are conflicts of interest, which such law prohibits.

The House resolution generated criticisms from opposition lawmakers, with some saying the new rules were “suspicious” and “clearly negate the principles of transparency and accountability enshrined in our Constitution and laws.”

“They should read and study it well. It is intended for the protection of everyone,” House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro (Capiz), one of the authors of the resolution, told critics of the stringent requirements for public access to SALNs.

“We don’t really know who is responsible if the SALN spreads. How can we run after unscrupulous people with sinister design when we don’t even know their identity, affiliation or organization,” Castro added.

The resolution comes less than a month since the Alliance of Concerned Teachers cried foul over the Philippine National Police conducting an inventory of its members.

The Palace denied but also defended the police operation, saying members of the teachers' union should not be worried about being monitored if they are not doing anything illegal.

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In March 2018, the House committee on justice voted to impeach Maria Lourdes Sereno, since ousted as chief justice of the Supreme Court. Among the issues raised at hearings of the committee were SALNs that Sereno was accused of not having filed.

 Majority Leader Castro was a member of that committee. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral