Akbayan Reform Bloc Sets Transparency Example
Members of the Akbayan Reform Bloc in the House of Representatives have taken a bold step toward government transparency by releasing redacted copies of their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs). This move demonstrates their commitment to openness and urges fellow lawmakers to follow suit.
The Akbayan Reform Bloc, composed of party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, alongside Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, shared their SALNs publicly as a first measure to restore public trust in government institutions.
Detailed Asset Disclosures Highlight Commitment
According to the disclosed documents, Bag-ao reported the highest net worth at ₱15.05 million, followed by Diokno with ₱13.13 million, Ismula with ₱3.246 million, and Cendaña at ₱1 million. These figures include real properties, personal assets, and liabilities.
Bag-ao’s SALN reveals combined real property valued at ₱1.745 million and personal assets worth ₱17.88 million, balanced by liabilities totaling ₱4.575 million. Diokno’s assets include properties valued at ₱3 million and personal investments, such as shares in a Pasig-based software company, totaling ₱13.18 million, with minimal liabilities at ₱50,625.
Ismula reported a single property worth ₱2.370 million, alongside personal belongings like gadgets and jewelry valued at ₱1.675 million. Her liabilities stand at ₱798,953. She also listed five relatives working in government, though their details were redacted. Meanwhile, Cendaña showed no real estate holdings; his assets consist solely of appliances worth ₱200,000 and cash totaling ₱800,000, with no liabilities or investments.
Transparency as a Path to Public Trust
In a collective statement, the bloc emphasized the urgency of restoring faith in government. “At a time when trust in government is at its lowest, words are not enough. We, as public servants, must show through concrete action that transparency and accountability are more than promises—they are obligations,” they said.
They further added, “Public service is not about power or privilege. It is about earning and keeping the trust of the very people we are sworn to serve. For this reason, the Akbayan Reform Bloc is disclosing and committing to regularly publish our SALN. This is not just a matter of compliance, but a commitment to openness and honesty in public service.”
Call for Collective Action Among Lawmakers
The bloc has appealed to their fellow House members to join this initiative. “We respectfully call on our fellow lawmakers—especially our colleagues in the House of Representatives—to join us in this effort. Let us take this crucial step together to rebuild the trust of our people and strengthen our democracy,” they urged.
Government-Wide Lifestyle Checks Underway
In a related development, the executive branch has begun lifestyle checks across government agencies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed these investigations starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which faces scrutiny over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Palace officials confirmed the directive covers the entire executive department, beginning with DPWH officials reportedly involved in questionable activities. “We cannot deny the fact that there are DPWH officials who are involved, and we should start the lifestyle checks with them,” a government spokesperson said during a briefing.
Furthermore, other agencies including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Bureau of Customs, and local government units have been asked to conduct parallel investigations to ensure accountability across all levels of government.
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