Tawi-Tawi lawmaker faces raps over SALN

MANILA, Philippines – Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali-Tan is facing criminal charges over her alleged failure to file statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) for the six years that she was vice governor.

The Office of the Ombudsman accused her before the Sandiganbayan of six counts of violating Section 8 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which requires the filing of SALN.

It said Tan “willfully, unlawfully and criminally” failed to file her SALN from 2007 to 2012.

Public officials and employees are required to declare in the SALN all their liabilities and assets, including their own business and financial interests and that of their spouses and unmarried children who are below 18 years.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of charges after approving the recommendations of graft investigator Kristine Suzanne Fineza.

The charges were filed after preliminary investigation during which Tan was given the opportunity to submit controverting evidence.

“On the basis of sworn statements and other evidence submitted, there is sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that the crime charged has been committed; and that the accused is probably guilty thereof,” the ombudsman declared.

The ombudsman set Tan’s bail bond at P60,000 or P10,000 for each count of the alleged violation.