Honoring an honorable man

EDITORIAL

Following the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona which brought to light the need for government officials and employees to file their assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) as provided for by law, compliance needs much to be desired, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government.

           

Before the demise of Interior Sec. Jesse Robredo, he issued DILG Memorandum Circular 2012-116

orderinglocal chief executives of provinces, cities and municipalities and barangays, regional directors, employees and other concerned should file their SALN.

The circular stipulated that concerned officials should “cause the filing of their SALN religiously within the time and under the conditions set by law for the purpose of honest and accurate disclosure of their assets and liabilities. Government officials should recognize and observe the public’s right of access to the SALN, by making these documents available, upon proper request subject to reasonable rules and regulations on the time, purpose, manner and frequency of the endeavor.”

Faithful compliance with the requirements should be adhered to, the DILG circular stated.  The order was an offshoot of the impeachment process of the Chief Justice, and premised on promoting transparency for those in the government service as stated in the constitution.     

As tribute to Roberdo, adjectives of which are not enough to describe his good attributes in public service, love of country and in his personal life, the least government officials can do to honor an honorable man is to follow his example. They could start by filing their SALNS.