Category: Business Mirror

THE Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) has turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman five more cases against officials from the Bulacan’s First District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways and several contractors in connection with alleged ghost flood-control projects.

At a press briefing Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the cases involve malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, falsification by public officers under Article 171 of the RPC, perjury under Article 183 of the RPC, and Section 3e of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Fadullon said the cases were referred to the Ombudsman for further evaluation after the DOJ found sufficient evidence to proceed with the preliminary investigation.

‘With the turnover of these cases we will just await instructions from the Office of the Ombudsman as to whether or not we can proceed with the preliminary investigation of these cases,’ Fadullon said.

Fadullon assured the public that there would be more cases to be turned over to the Ombudsman but asked for patience as there are processes to follow to ensure strong cases against those involved in the multi-billion anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.

‘It doesn’t mean that this ends here. There are more to come, but there is what we call a process that needs to be done wherein we make sure that there is evidence before filing a case,’ Fadullon said.

Former Justice Secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla also said that more pieces of evidence are still being gathered with regard to the alleged participation of high-ranking government officials and lawmakers in the latest corruption scandal.

It can be recalled that on September 29, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) turned over an interim report to the Ombudsman recommending the prosecution of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 other individuals for criminal and administrative charges in connection with the P289.5 million anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, implemented by the DPWH.

Among the charges recommended against Co and other DPWH officials were violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) in relation to Article 171 of the RPC or falsification of public documents by a public officer.

ICI recommendation

THE ICI also recommended the filing of administrative charges against the said individuals for violation of Sections 4(a), 7 (a) and (b) of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and other possible violations of Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

The ICI told the Ombudsman that it would submit further evidence in support of its recommendation within 15 days.

The recommendation stemmed from the inspection conducted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon of the project that was undertaken by Sunwest, Inc., the construction company being linked to the family of Co.

The project involves the construction of a road dike along Mag-Asawang Tubig River.

The Commission on Audit has also submitted five fraud audit reports to the Ombudsman covering five anomalous flood-control projects amounting to P341 million which also involves Bulacan’s first district engineering office.

The fraud audit report covers flood-control projects undertaken by three construction firms identified as Wawao Builders,St. Timothy Construction Corporation and SYMS Construction Trading.

Based on the reports, the flood control projects were listed as complete but were found to be inexistent, incomplete, substandard and lacking required documents.

The DPWH has also charged more than 20 public works officials, personnel and private contractors before the Ombudsman with graft and malversation of public funds for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects in the country.

The respondents were specifically charged with violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code or Malversation of Public Funds in relation to Articles 171 of the Revised Penal Code; and Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The subject of the complaint were five flood control-projects in Bulacan such as the construction of slope protection in barangay Namayan, Malolos City; construction of pumping station and flood gate in barangay Atlag, Malolos; construction of pumping station and flood gate in barangay Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy; construction of flood control structure in Maycapiz-Talilip River; and construction of reinforced concrete river wall in Purok 4, barangay Piel, Baliuag City.

The complaint said the DPWH’s Internal Audit Service (IAS) inspection conducted from August 13 to August 20, 2025 revealed a ‘consistent pattern of fraudulent misrepresentation falsification, collusion and blatant disregard’ of Commission on Audit regulations across multiple contracts in order to effect the release of payments to the contractors despite non-performance or insufficient performance of the project.

Romualdez appears at ICI

AS he testified before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez maintained that he had nothing to hide and was ready to fully cooperate in uncovering the truth behind the allegations related to the national budget process.

‘I am here to cooperate fully and help uncover the truth. I have nothing to hide, and there is nothing that should be hidden,’ Romualdez said.

He clarified that although he was not part of the bicameral conference committee that finalized the budget, he was willing to share any information that could help shed light on the issues being investigated.

‘While I was not part of the bicameral conference committee, whatever I know, I will share,’ Romualdez said.

‘My purpose is to clarify the issues and share whatever information I can that may help the Commission in its work.’

The Leyte lawmaker stressed that his appearance before the ICI reflected his long-standing belief in transparency and accountability, adding that his only goal was to help ensure that the truth prevails.

‘I have always believed in transparency and accountability, and that’s why I am here today-to do my part in ensuring that the truth comes out,’ he stated.

Romualdez emphasized that he had no hesitation about facing the inquiry, stressing that he would cooperate in every way possible to hasten the proceedings.

‘I am willing to do anything that will help speed up the investigation, because like every Filipino, I want the truth to be established without delay,’ he said.

‘At the end of the day, it is evidence-not political noise or unfounded accusations-that will reveal what really happened,’ Romualdez said.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) extends its warmest congratulations to BusinessMirror as it celebrates its 20th founding anniversary.

Since its inception, BusinessMirror has firmly established itself as one of the country’s most respected sources of business news and in-depth reporting-championing not only economic insight but also shedding light on pressing social, political, and human interest stories. Your publication’s commitment to delivering credible and timely journalism has served the Filipino people well, fostering a more informed and engaged society.

On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for BusinessMirror’s support in promoting our humanitarian initiatives. Your platform has played a vital role in amplifying our efforts to alleviate human suffering, especially during times of national emergencies and crises.

The visibility and awareness you have helped generate have made a tangible impact in reaching those most in need.

As you mark this significant milestone, we salute your steadfast dedication to journalism and public service. May BusinessMirror continue to thrive and inspire, and may your team of journalists remain unwavering in their mission to report the truth with fairness, courage, and integrity.

Mabuhay kayo, and cheers to many more years of excellence in journalism!

It was a dream debut for Juan Gomez de Liano who tallied a triple-double in his very first PBA match-15 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds-in Converge’s 129-92 triumph over Titan Ultra last October 11.

‘Honestly, it is a dream come true for me to be able to play in the PBA and to even pull off a historic feat,’ reflected Juan who starred for the University of the Philippines and Marinerong Pilipino in the amateurs. He also played professionally in the B.League in Japan, the Lithuanian Basketball League, and Korean Basketball League after which he returned home to play in the PBA.

The six-foot guard was drafted second overall by the Converge FiberXers.

‘I always imagined what it would be like to play on this stage. Now that I am here, it is surreal. I’m just grateful for the opportunity.’

Gomez de Liano grew up idolizing Jimmy Alapag and Alex Cabagnot.

‘I admired the way Jimmy and Alex played,’ said Juan of his inspirations. ‘They were consistent in how they led their teams. It wasn’t just their skills, but also their leadership and heart on the court that inspired me.’

Gomez de Liano showed his potential when he was named University Athletic Association of the Philippines Rookie of the Year in 2017, made it to the UAAP Mythical Team in 2018, and was hailed Most Valuable Player in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup in 2022.

‘Right now, I am just locked in and doing whatever is needed for Converge to win. That triple double.my name is across it but it is a team effort.’

The three duos will meet the director and stars at the Singapore premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’

Filipino talent shines as Jon M. Chu, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo personally chose the three winning best friend duos in the ‘Awiting Wicked: For Good’ competition.

The chosen duos, along with their TiktTok accounts, are:

Fatima Soria (@only_ftma) and Pia Casing (@piazzicato)

Jezza Quiogue (@jezzaquiogue_) and Nowi Alpuerto (@nowialps)

Kyle Quinco (kwisssy6) and Tiffany Vistal (@tiffanyshanevistal)

The six winners will get a chance to record their own rendition of the song ‘For Good,’ and star in a music video. They will also get to meet director Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande in the Singapore premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good.’

See the magic come alive as ‘Wicked: For Good’ arrives in Philippine theaters on November 19. Tickets on sale now! Check out Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest news and updates.

Philippine screen icon Hilda Koronel makes her much-anticipated return to cinema with the world premiere of Jun Robles Lana’s SISA, selected for the Official Competition of the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF, Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival) this November.

Renowned for her roles in Lino Brocka’s masterpieces Insiang and Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Koronel has become one of the Philippines’ most celebrated actresses for over 4 decades, then she went on hiatus and moved to Los Angeles in 2012. After over a decade, she returns with acclaimed director Jun Robles Lana, a recognized name in the international festival circuit with award-winning films like Bwakaw, Barber’s Tales, and Die Beautiful.

Tallinn Black Nights is Northern Europe’s largest film event and recognized as one of the FIAPF-accredited ‘A-list’ festivals alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. SISA’s selection in its Official Competition affirms both the film’s artistic strength and the continuing global resonance of Filipino storytelling.

‘Returning to Tallinn after his acclaimed About Us But Not About Us, Jun Robles Lana shifts from the intimate to the epic. With his signature emotional precision and a searing performance by Hilda Koronel, SISA is both a historical thriller and an urgent elegy,’ wrote Film Programmer Milani Perera.

For international audiences familiar with Philippine cinema, Koronel represents a living connection to the golden age of Filipino social realism, an actress whose performances have become essential to world cinema history. SISA promises to introduce her timeless artistry to new generations, in a story that bridges the local and the universal.

SISA’s world premiere will be on November 20 in the Official Competition of the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, Estonia. Both Jun Robles Lana and Hilda Koronel are scheduled to attend both the premiere and the awards ceremony of the festival.

SISA was supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Film Philippines Office, produced by The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, CMB Films, YayWati International, in association with Kidlat Entertainment.

Full quote from Milani Perera, Film Programmer:

Her silence was survival. Her madness, a weapon. Her mission: revenge.

The Philippines, 1902. The land is raw, wounded, occupied. Smoke clings to the trees. Blood soaks the soil. The war is over – but the violence lingers. Widows fill the villages. Mothers vanish into silence. Among them walks Sisa (Hilda Koronel), barefoot and broken, dismissed as mad by those who fear what they don’t understand. But madness is only the surface.

Beneath the rags and ramblings, Sisa hides a secret: she is a spy. A survivor. A mother robbed of everything but rage. Haunted by visions she cannot silence, she begins to lead a quiet revolt – gathering women who, like her, have been pushed to the margins. As betrayal coils around her, Sisa walks the line between memory and madness, asking what it takes to rise when the world has already buried you.

Returning to Tallinn after his acclaimed ‘About Us But Not About Us’, Jun Robles Lana shifts from the intimate to the epic. With his signature emotional precision and a searing performance by Hilda Koronel, ‘Sisa’ is both a historical thriller and an urgent elegy.

AS you may be aware, the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019 was signed into law in February 2019, however, then President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the provisions on general tax amnesty allowing only the estate tax amnesty provisions to proceed.

Now, in an attempt to revive the stalled general tax amnesty during the past administration, Senator Win Gatchalian has recently introduced Senate Bill No. 60 aimed at giving delinquent taxpayers a fresh start by giving them an opportunity to settle their unpaid and outstanding tax liabilities amicably.

Under the proposal, the tax amnesty shall cover all unpaid national internal revenue taxes such as but not limited to income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax, other percentage taxes, excise tax and documentary stamp tax administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), including value-added tax and excise taxes being administered by the Bureau of Customs for taxable year 2024 and prior years. Taxpayers can avail themselves the tax amnesty, with or without assessments duly issued therefor.

The amnesty shall not cover: a) withholding tax agents who withheld taxes but failed to remit the same to the BIR; b) taxpayers with pending court cases involving graft and corrupt practices, anti-money laundering, tax evasion, illegal exactions, malversation of public funds and property, etc; c) tax cases that have become final and executory; and d) delinquencies and assessments that have become final and executory. It shall not also cover estate tax.

Similar with other tax amnesties in the past, the grant of tax amnesty under the proposed bill is not free at all. The availing taxpayer will have to pay an amount equivalent to, at the option of the taxpayer, either: 1) two percent of the taxpayer’s total assets as of December 31, 2024; or 2) the higher between an amount fixed in the bill (ranging from P100,000 to P1,300,000), or five percent of the taxpayer’s total net worth as of December 31, 2024. If the taxpayer opts to pay the amnesty tax based on total net worth and the computed net worth is negative, the taxpayer may still avail himself of the benefits of tax amnesty and pay the minimum amnesty tax.

Those who avail themselves of the tax amnesty and fully comply with all the conditions set forth in the bill and upon payment of the amnesty tax shall be, with respect to the years covered by the tax amnesty, immune from the payment of taxes and from all appurtenant civil, criminal, and administrative cases and penalties and from other investigations or suits insofar as they relate to the assets, liabilities, net worth, and internal revenue taxes that are subject of the tax amnesty.

Also, any information or data contained in, derived from or provided by a taxpayer in the Tax Amnesty Return, Statement of Total Assets or Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth, as the case may be, shall be confidential in nature and shall not be used in any investigation or prosecution before any judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative bodies. However, the taxpayer may use this as a defense, whenever appropriate, in cases brought against the taxpayer. The availment of the amnesty does not imply any admission of criminal, civil or administrative liability of the availing taxpayer.

The books of accounts and other records of the taxpayer for the years covered by the tax amnesty availed of shall not be examined by the BIR but the Commissioner of Internal Revenue may authorize in writing the examination of the said books of accounts and other records to verify the validity or correctness of a claim for any tax refund, tax credit (other than refund or credit of taxes withheld on wages), tax incentives, and/or exemptions under existing laws.

Upon full compliance with all the conditions set forth in the proposed law and payment of the corresponding general amnesty tax, the tax amnesty granted shall become final and irrevocable.

I hope this proposal will be passed into law. We already have estate tax amnesty, availment of which had just ended. We also have currently in effect the amnesty on unpaid real property tax pursuant to Republic Act 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act. Perhaps, now is also the right time to grant tax amnesty on unpaid local business taxes to give taxpayers as well the opportunity to reset their business relations with the local government units and have a fresh start as a good and law-abiding taxpayer moving forward.

Infinidad Events Management is delighted to announce ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria’ (Hymn and Voice for Mother Mary), a sacred musical event honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. This concert celebrates her profound role in the Catholic faith and the spiritual life of the Filipino people.

The concert is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang, Muntinlupa. It promises to be a profound spiritual journey, designed to uplift spirits and inspire hope through sacred performances that demonstrate communal gratitude.

October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, making this a particularly significant time to host ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria.’ This event taps into the deep Marian piety characteristic of Filipino Catholicism, serving as a collective act of veneration and celebrating her enduring legacy as a guide and intercessor.

The concert will feature a diverse lineup of talented Filipino musicians and singers, including Ms. Angeline Quinto, Frenchie Dy, brothers Rannie and Lance Raymundo, who will unite their voices for this inspiring cause. The program will include a captivating selection of sacred songs and contemporary hymns, covering various musical styles from traditional Marian hymns to modern Christian music, ensuring an uplifting experience for all attendees. Each performance will be a powerful homage to Mary’s significant role as the Mother of God.

Beyond inspiring hope, ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria’ serves a greater purpose: proceeds from the concert will support elderly and unwell priests who have dedicated their lives to serving their faith and community. Beneficiaries include 17 priests from Cardinal Sin’s Welcome Home in Manila, 20 individuals from the Missionaries of the Poor, 10 priests from CICM Home Sweet Home in Baguio City, and 18 priests from St. Joseph Seniorate in Batangas.

Infinidad Events Management, a full-service events management firm established in 2007, is overseeing the grand production, ensuring the highest quality and professionalism for this sacred event.

Through this benefit concert, which venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary as a central figure in the Catholic Church, religious communities will share in faith, find comfort, and give back to the religious leaders and servers who have guided and safeguarded their faith throughout the years.

ONE overtime in basketball is as rare as rain in summer. Two overtimes will make for a hands-on miracle. But three overtimes?

I have no word for it but impossible.

That’s what happened on Saturday, October 11.

It was the game between University of Sto. Tomas and Ateneo de Manila in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.

Ateneo had all the reasons, one telling motivation, to win. It was playing on home court, in its newly-renovated gym where the Blue Eagles’ last played a UAAP game two decades ago. Gripping drama was in the air.

UST came simply in fulfilment of a date: Do battle with a serious title contender. Win and the job is done. Another day in the office.

But the appointment proved harrowing for the Growling Tigers from Espana.

Instead of the game lasting its usual 40 minutes-10 minutes each per quarter-it went 55 chaotic minutes brought on by three overtimes consisting of 15 additional minutes of five minutes each.

The game transformed from a normal contest to a marathon, with the Tigers clawing a 98-89 win over the Eagles who went limping, puffing and huffing in the end.

What hurt Ateneo the most was the fact that its former player, Forthsky Padrigao, did the most damage in a gold uniform instead of the Eagle’s patented blue.

Padrigao, who moved to UST three years ago after spending one year as Ateneo’s starting star guard, nailed a three that forged the game’s first overtime.

He’d continue backstopping UST in the next two overtimes, eventually finishing with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in the tournament’s first triple overtime in the Final Four era.

‘All we needed to do was show our heart and grit and it paid off,’ said Padrigao, who is aiming to help end UST’s title drought since 2006 in his last season. ‘Our respects are with Ateneo because they battled us for three overtimes.’

The battle seemed like an eternity so that if this were boxing, both boxers were trading punches in wild abandon-but no one would fall. Surrender was never an option.

Each side clung on mere instinct in the energy-sapping contest that, by the time the game hit its third OT, the one with a fast-emptying tank-pitifully, Ateneo-eventually dove into depths of deathly abyss.

Ateneo’s import Divine Adili was no longer divine as he had exited on five fouls, big man Kymani Ladi succumbed to cramps and Eagle star Jared Bahay, brilliant with his back-to-back threes earlier, left the house nursing a shoulder injury.

With Ateneo’s triple-threat finally out of commission, UST stormed to a 94-85 lead with 2:17 left, milking the clock from there in cruising to victory as the stunned hometown crowd fell in funereal silence.

Alas, for Ateneo, it was drama turned to trauma.

THAT’S IT Lala Sotto, who turned a new leaf on October 12, is one lucky soul today, October 15. As Chair and CEO of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), she will preside over the grand ceremonies tonight marking the 40th year of MTRCB’s founding at swanky Solaire North along Edsa, Quezon City. Big names from show biz and the Philippine film industry, among others, are expected to grace the historic occasion, with Pops Fernandez and Rico Hizon as emcees for the event that took months in the making under the strict, meticulous, stewardship of MTRCB Board Member Eloisa ‘Wise’ Matias. Cheers!

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III has called on lawmakers and government agencies to rally behind farmers amid the steep drop in the farmgate price of palay.

Estrella pitched the proposal for the government to directly buy palay from the farmers at a reasonable price for them to cope with the economic hardship.

‘Our palay farmers are the backbone of our food security. This caucus is not just a meeting-it is a call to action. We are appealing to all national government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations [GOCCs], to rally behind our farmers and directly procure their produced rice,’ Estrella said in a statement.

Estrella issued the same appeal when he addressed participants of a Special Caucus initiated by the agency to provide support to rice farmers.

The Special Caucus held recently at the DAR Central Office brought together top national leaders and key stakeholders to safeguard the livelihoods of palay farmers.

Among those in attendance were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Speaker Faustino Dy III, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson, House Committee on Agriculture chairman Rep. Mark Enverga, House Agrarian Reform Committee Chairperson Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform chairman Sen. Francis Pangilinan, and other members of the House of Representatives, and local government executives from rice-producing provinces.

During the caucus, Estrella emphasized the critical need for solidarity across all sectors.

The caucus follows an initial meeting last week with President Marcos during which the group raised the plight of palay farmers and discussed potential interventions. Following a series of dialogues with other concerned officials, the caucus announced that it will formally submit a recommendation to the chief executive urging him to issue a policy statement requiring all government institutions, including GOCCs, to procure locally produced rice.

This proposed directive aims to create immediate demand for local palay harvests, offer price stability, and ensure government-led support for the agricultural sector.

Dy expressed full legislative support for emergency interventions to ensure fair farmgate prices.

‘We must protect the dignity of our farmers. We will continue to push for policies and budget support that ensure fair farmgate prices and national food security,’ Dy said.

For his part, Pangilinan emphasized ‘the caucus is geared towards policy announcement for the national government agencies (NGAs), GOCCs, and LGUs to only purchase rice that is locally produced.

The DAR said the initiative underlines the government’s commitment to upholding the welfare of farmers’ communities and ensuring that no farmer is left behind during the peak of harvest. The caucus also identified immediate measures to stabilize palay prices, including bulk procurement by government agencies and institutional buyers, mobilization of post-harvest facilities, and coordination with the NFA to boost buying capacity.

Also present during the meeting were Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino province and president of the Governors League of the Philippines, Gov. Rodito Albano of Isabela, and Mayor Inno Dy of Echague, Isabela, and president of the Mayors League of the Philippines.

THE Office of the Ombudsman has formally reopened to public access the statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs) of government officials and called on other branches of the government to align their practices with this new policy.

In a statement read by Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV, the Ombudsman said the new policy is guided by a simple principle: ‘The public has a legitimate right to know how those in government acquire and manage their wealth.’

‘As the Ombudsman has emphasized, transparency is the name of the game. At a time when trust in institutions is tested, the best way to rebuild confidence is through openness backed by concrete access to information,’ the statement read.

The Ombudsman also urged all agencies that keep official copies of SALNs such as the Civil Service Commission, the Office of the President, Congress, the Judiciary, and local government units-to do the same.

‘Consistency across institutions is key; selective transparency only breeds suspicion,’ the Ombudsman said.

On Tuesday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla issued a new memorandum circular providing guidelines on public access to SALNs filed with his office.

The new circular effectively rescinded Memorandum Circular No. 1 issued by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires which restricted public’s access to SALNs of elected officials.

Under the Memorandum Circular No.1 issued by Martires, SALNs were only to be released if the request was made by the government official concerned, or his or her representative; if it was legally ordered by the court in relation to a pending case; and if it was made through the Office of the Ombudsman’s field investigation office for the purpose of a fact-finding probe.

However, under the new memorandum circular SALNs filed with the Ombudsman will be made available to the public for inspection and reproduction after they have been processed and recorded into the official repository but not earlier than 10 working days after the final submission deadline from all government agencies.

It also requires agency heads to collect and submit SALNs of their personnel to the Ombudsman, along with a summary report, by May 31 every year, without a grace period except in cases of force majeure or other meritorious grounds.

A request for a copy of SALN must be filed with any public assistance and corruption prevention office (PACPO) at the central office of the Ombudsman or any public assistance corruption prevention bureau’s sectoral offices which will then be forwarded to the appropriate office within the Ombudsman.

The circular added that all requests for SALNs must be made by filling up the prescribed request form and that the requesting party must present two identification cards.

The circular also said that a request for SALN may be denied based on the following reasons: If the Ombudsman is not the official repository; the requested SALN is not on file; the request is for an unauthorized commercial purpose; the requesting party has a derogatory record of misuse; the request is linked to a pending case to influence or harass; there is evidence of extortion or safety threats; the identity of the requesting party is fictitious; or the purpose is contrary to law, morals or public policy.

‘All requests shall be acted upon within a reasonable period,’ the circular stated.

Likewise, under the new guidelines, the Ombudsman will redact or omit sensitive personal details from any SALN copy released to the public to protect the privacy of the declarant and their family.

These include the complete home address, names, and birth details of minor children, signatures, and government-issued identification numbers of the declarant and their spouse.

For those who intend to use the SALN for media reports or for public dissemination, the requesting party is required to submit a copy or accessible link of their published work to the Ombudsman within five calendar days from.

‘Non-submission of the required output may be considered a violation of the requesting party’s undertaking and shall be a ground for denying future SALN requests from the same individual or organization.’