Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that any request for the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of Cabinet members must be backed by a valid and lawful reason. Speaking on the issue of transparency in government, Bersamin noted that while the public has a right to accountability, this right must be balanced with the privacy and due process afforded to public officials.
He clarified that the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) will only release SALNs if the request is deemed legitimate and aligned with established legal protocols. Bersamin further explained that the move aims to prevent the misuse of such sensitive documents for political or personal purposes.
The Palace’s statement comes amid calls for more transparency in the Marcos administration, with some groups urging public disclosure of officials’ SALNs to ensure integrity in government service.