SC turns down request for ex-justices SALN

THE Supreme Court (SC) has rejected a request of a staff of an online media outfit for copies of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and Personal Data Sheet (PDS) or Curriculum Vitae of retired justices of the Supreme Court (SC) and officers and employees of the judiciary.

In a January 13, 2015 resolution promulgated by Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal, the tribunal denied the letter- request of Reynaldo Santos, Jr., Senior Re- searcher of Rappler. com, for copies of the 2004- 2011 SALN and PDS of the exmagistrates of the SC, Court of Appeals ( CA) and the Court of Tax Appeals ( CTA).

“The court resolves . . . to deny the request of Reynaldo C. Santos Jr., Senior Researcher, Rappler. com for copies of the 2004- 2011 SALN and PDS of the retired justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and the Court of Tax Appeals, considering that the aforesaid former members of the judiciary are no longer within the juridisdiction of the Court,” the resolution read.

“Provided, however, that earlier requests favorably acted upon by the court through previous resolutions involving members of the judiciary who were then in the active service shall be respected, subject to payment of the required fees[,]” the SC pointed out.

It reminded Rappler. com to comply with the requirements faithfully and any violation would subject them to criminal, civil and administrative liabilities.