Malacañang vows Executive branch will cooperate in SALN redaction probe

THE EXECUTIVE branch of government is ready to cooperate with the Senate investigation regarding the redactions on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of some Cabinet officials, Malacañang said yesterday. At the same time, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella insisted that there were no legal violations in making the SALN redactions. “We reiterate that there were no violations committed related to the release of SALNs of some Cabinet members. The Executive would cooperate and would attend the investigation on SALNs, if and once called by the Senate.” Senator Antonio F. Trillanes has filed a resolution calling on the Senate committee on civil service, government reorganization and professional regulation to conduct an investigation on the issue. “It is a public document that should be open to public scrutiny. I believe the redactions made are clear violations of the law. The investigation is meant to clarify this issue definitively,” Mr. Trillanes said in a text message. Assistant Commissioner Ariel G. Ronquillo of the Civil Service Commission, meanwhile, said under the SALN guidelines, only the home address of the government official or employee can be shaded for public release. Mr. Ronquillo also said that whoever made the redactions in the SALN, may it be the filer or the issuing department, may be held liable. —