Ombudsman seeks SALNs of all House members

26 to undergo lifestyle checks MANILA, Philippines —  The Office of the Ombudsman has requested for the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of all members of the House of Representatives, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said, as his office continues its probe into the irregularities in government flood control projects. “I have requested to get all of it, all the members of Congress. I said include everyone,” Remulla said over the weekend in his radio program “Executive Session” on dzRH. He said the following days – April 20, 21 and 22 – would be “very interesting” as there would be “many developments” as to the ombudsman’s investigation into the lawmakers allegedly involved in the flood control controversy, who have been dubbed as “congtractors.” Remulla said his office already has copies of the SALNs of the 26 lawmakers who have so far been linked to the flood control scheme and would undergo lifestyle checks. One lawmaker may be added to the list of those who would undergo lifestyle checks, Remulla said. No one has so far been named. Remulla earlier warned House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil of suspension if she defies the subpoena on the SALNs of House members. He said Garafil had refused to receive the subpoenas. Remulla added his office has been issuing subpoenas to the House secretary, and that ombudsman personnel were barred entry by the House security personnel. Remulla earlier said he has requested the SALNs of lawmakers for a period of 10 years or during their tenure in Congress. The ombudsman said he instructed his personnel to course through all requests to the legislative through him so he can acknowledge them as head of the agency. “So there will be no power play underneath. It should be institutional and professional. Power-tripping is not allowed,” he said. April 22 hearing Remulla said he will appear before the House justice committee hearing on April 22 as his office has been subpoenaed for the SALN of Vice President Sara Duterte. “I will show up for a while just to show respect to the House,” he said. However, he said that the custodian of the documents is the one who can answer questions from lawmakers.