The Office of the Ombudsman has requested statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) from all House of Representatives members as it probes irregularities in government flood control projects. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said 26 lawmakers linked to the issue will undergo lifestyle checks, with possibly one more added. He made the announcement on his weekend radio program.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on his weekend radio program “Executive Session” on dzRH that he has requested SALNs from all Congress members. “I have requested to get all of it, all the members of Congress. I said include everyone,” he stated. He described the coming days—April 20, 21, and 22—as “very interesting” due to “many developments” in the probe of lawmakers dubbed “congtractors” in the flood control controversy.
His office already holds SALNs of 26 lawmakers linked to the flood control scheme, who will face lifestyle checks. One additional lawmaker may join the list, though none have been named. Remulla requested these SALNs covering 10 years or their congressional tenure.
He warned House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil of possible suspension for defying the SALN subpoena. Remulla said Garafil refused to accept the subpoenas, and House security barred ombudsman personnel from entry. He directed his staff to route all legislative requests through him for an “institutional and professional” process, adding, “Power-tripping is not allowed.”
Remulla will attend the House justice committee hearing on April 22 regarding a subpoena for Vice President Sara Duterte's SALN. “I will show up for a while just to show respect to the House,” he said, noting that the document custodian should field lawmakers' questions.
