Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered all House members to submit their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, with 26 slated for lifestyle checks. [1]
The move heightens scrutiny of lawmakers' finances amid allegations of misuse of funds in recent flood‑control projects, raising questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
The Ombudsman's office filed the request over the weekend of April 18‑20 in Manila—coinciding with its expanding investigation into flood‑control contracts that have been flagged for irregularities.
Under the order, each representative must file a full SALN covering assets, liabilities, and net worth for the current fiscal year. While the filing applies to all 316 members, only 26 legislators have been singled out for immediate lifestyle checks, a step the Ombudsman said would help verify whether declared assets matched observed expenditures. [1]
"I have requested to get all of it, all the members of Congress. I said include everyone," Remulla said. [1]
The SALN is a mandatory annual filing that public officials in the Philippines must submit to the Office of the Ombudsman, intended to deter illicit enrichment and promote accountability. Failure to comply could trigger administrative sanctions, including suspension of legislative privileges, and possible criminal prosecution for perjury.
Political analysts said the broad sweep could set a precedent for future accountability drives, though critics said it may be used as a political tool against opponents. Transparency advocates said the move could restore public trust. The House has not yet responded publicly.
“"I have requested to get all of it, all the members of Congress. I said include everyone."”
By mandating SALN submissions from every lawmaker and focusing immediate lifestyle checks on 26 members, the Ombudsman's office is intensifying financial oversight amid a flood‑control graft probe, signaling that public officials may face stricter scrutiny and possible sanctions if discrepancies emerge.
