Documents, testimonies can stand in Senate probes

Lawmakers are not alarmed by the Office of the Ombudsman’s cancellation of the lifestyle checks on public officials, saying it will not affect the Chamber’s future inquiries on cases of graft and corruption.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires recently stopped the lifestyle checks as he pleaded the Senate to strengthen Republic Act 6713, instead. It’s the same law that requires government officials to submit their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

The requirement is asked for purposes of transparency among the government workers.

Martires said he does not see logic in the practice. “I don’t see the Ombudsman’s policy statement having any effect on future Senate inquiries because we mostly rely on damning documents and testimonies of witnesses rather than lifestyle checks or SALN of government officials in the conduct of our hearing,” Lacson said in a text message.

Section 4(h) of the law says public officials and employees along with their family members “shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.”

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Congress should look at Martires’ suggestion to determine whether the law needs to be amended.