PBBM open to releasing SALN after Ombudsman lifts access restrictions

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

OPEN TO RELEASE SALN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. answers questions from reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday (Oct. 15, 2025). The President said he is willing to make his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) publicly accessible after the Office of the Ombudsman restores full public access to the crucial documents. (Photo: Presidential Communications Office/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he is willing to make his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) publicly accessible after the Office of the Ombudsman restores full public access to the crucial document.

Marcos said he supports a return to the “old rules” that allowed the public and media easier access to officials’ SALNs before restrictions were imposed during the Duterte administration.

“We’ll follow the old rules. These old rules were suspended in the last administration,” the President said in a media briefing in Malacañang.

“I was quite surprised to find out when I first came into office that it was almost impossible to get a copy of the SALN.”

He welcomed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s move to lift the restriction, saying he would comply with whatever procedures are set.

“We’re just going back to the old procedure. My SALN will be available to whoever would like to begin,” he assured.

Asked if he would encourage his Cabinet to do the same, Marcos replied, “Yes, of course.”

Under the law, all public officials and employees are required to file their SALNs annually, although access to these documents has varied depending on the Ombudsman’s policies.