MALACANANG is now sounding cautious about releasing the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of President Marcos and his Cabinet, despite earlier remarks from the President signaling openness.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said allowing the public full and easy access to SALNs is off the table, warning that sensitive details could put officials and their families at risk.
“We cannot just allow indiscriminate access,” Bersamin said, stressing that home addresses and family information must remain protected. He noted that strict rules on SALN disclosures already exist and must be followed.
Requests, including those from the media, must undergo Palace scrutiny and come with a “legitimate” justification.
Bersamin also warned that SALNs should not be used as a “weapon” against public officials, arguing such exposure could discourage people from entering government.
While the Palace says it isn’t blocking transparency altogether, officials have not committed to releasing Marcos’ SALN publicly anytime soon.
