Ombudsman’s limitations on SALN access ‘for protection of gov’t officials’ – Panelo

The Office of the Ombudsman has limited the public’s access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) for the government officials’ protection "so not every Tom, Dick and Harry can get (these) at will," according to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo

Panelo said the Ombudsman does not prohibit the access to SALN but merely introduced guidelines to protect the officials from enemies who might weaponize the document against them.

"May rason, may katuwiran sapagkat ginagamit nga ng mga kalaban itong SALN. Kaya hindi naman pinagbawal, hinigpitan po lamang (There is a reason, a justification because the enemies are using the SALN against them. The release is not prohibited but is merely tightened)," he said during his "Counterpoint" program Friday.

Panelo noted that the safety of the government official and his or her family may be put at risk if their rivals get hold of personal information such as home address.

"Binibigyan lang ng requirements para hindi every Tom, Dick and Harry can get it all will kasi nga, tandaan ninyo, yung

SALN nandoon ang pangalan ng nag-file at ng kanyang kabiyak at kanyang mga anak, Nandoon ang address. Eh papaano kung 'yun makuha ng mga kaaway nila, o di nanganib ang mga buhay nila (Certain requirements are merely imposed so not every Tom, Dick and Harry can get it all will because remember, the SALN contains the name of the official who filed, names of spouse and children as well as their home address. What if their enemy gets a hand on their SALN, their lives might be in danger)," he said.

"Kaya ang sinasabi ni Ombudsman Sammy (Martires), kailangan opisyal at may dahilan kung bakit ibibigay sa 'yo (That's why Ombudsman Sammy said there must be na official reason why the SALN should be given to you)," he added.