Category: Philippine Star

The Meralco Bolts ended their two-game skid in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup after pulling away late against the tough Blackwater Bossing, 105-96, Wednesday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meralco finally tallied their first win in the All-Filipino conference, rising to 1-2, while Blackwater dropped to 1-1.

Chris Newsome powered the Bolts with 22 points on 6-of-9 shooting off the bench. Cliff Hodge added 14 markers, while Brandon Bates and Allein Maliksi had 13 points apiece.

After close losses in their first two games, Meralco led by as much as 24 points, 65-41, in the third quarter against the young Blackwater squad.

But a 24-8 run by the Bossing sliced the deficit to single digit, 65-73, after a 4-pointer by RK Ilagan.

Ilagan continued to tow Blackwater back, as his triple pulled them to within three, 81-84, with 8:38 left in the game.

But a backbreaking 11-0 run broke the game wide open, turning the advantage to 14, 95-81, with 4:37 to go.

While Blackwater cut the lead to single digit several times down the stretch, they could not come closer than eight points.

Raymond Almazan tallied 12 points and eight rebounds for Meralco, while Aaron Black chipped in 11 markers.

Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 34 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals also off the bench, while Ilagan chipped in 22 points, three assists and two rebounds.

The Bolts will have a quick turnaround as they take on Barangay Ginebra on Friday at the same venue, while Blackwater will return to action next Friday against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Antipolo.

Sarah and Curlee Discaya will no longer cooperate with the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) after personal and unofficial remarks by one of the body’s members led the contractor couple to doubt their possibility of becoming state witnesses.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka told reporters on Wednesday, October 15, that the Discayas invoked their right to self-incrimination during the commission’s closed-door hearing earlier.

This, Hosaka said, was upon the advice of their lawyer.

“The spouses Discaya appeared before the commission, and, upon the advice of their counsel, they invoked their right to self-incrimination and manifested they will no longer cooperate with the ICI,” the ICI executive director said.

The Discayas had supposedly believed their cooperation would lead to a favorable recommendation from the commission for them to be turned into state witnesses.

Hosaka said the Discayas referred to an interview by journalist Karen Davila with ICI member and former Public Works Secretary Babes Singson, where Singson was asked about the possibility of the commission recommending witnesses for immunity.

It was Singson’s personal opinion that there are currently “no witness or person who may be recommended by the commission as state witness,” Hosaka said.

“I saw the interview and he qualified that as his own and not (by the ICI),” Singson said.

However, the Discayas saw this and “because of that, they are saying they will no longer appear before the commission,” the ICI executive director said.

The Discayas are currently classified as “protected witnesses” by the Department of Justice in the ongoing government probe into anomalous infrastructure projects.

This status provides them with government security and protection under the Witness Protection Program, but it does not automatically grant them the full immunity of a state witness.

Then-Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that prospective witnesses must first return ill-gotten wealth or assets before they can be tagged as state witnesses – a process known as restitution.

Remulla also previously explained that granting anyone full state witness status would free them from criminal liability, which means the government must be “very careful” in deciding to do so.

Being diagnosed and then told that you have diabetes is not a death sentence.

Yes, it is true that once you have it, you cannot just shoo it away. Diabetes is a lifelong condition, which happens when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly, thus leading to elevated blood sugar levels over time. You have to refrain from eating too much sweets, carbohydrates and a whole lot of other stuff to keep your blood sugar level from spiking.

In the Philippines, over 4.7 million adults live with diabetes and many do not even know it until symptoms or complications appear. Family history, poor eating habits, and a lack of physical activity are common risk factors – but the good news is, diabetes can be managed.

You may have to live with diabetes once you reach that point, but it does not have to stop you from living fully. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications – but with the right care, you can stay in control.

For many, nutrition becomes a turning point when incorporated as part of a healthy lifestyle program. You cannot just keep your sugar and carbohydrate intake in control. Your nutrition program has to be already be geared towards diabetes control, and that means eating the proper food and incorporating nutritional supplements that will help you keep your blood sugar in check.

Studies have shown that diabetes-specific nutritional supplements such as Glucerna provide complete and balanced nutrients to support those with diabetes and are clinically proven to help deliver better blood sugar control.

No amount of lecture, though, could compare with a direct and personal encounter with persons who are living with diabetes and are not just surviving but thriving in spite of their health condition.

Edna Panaligan Sta. Ana, Ramon Borromeo and Salvador Baroro share their real life stories and suggest real solutions to the problem. They have found ways to integrate proper nutrition and daily movement into a sustainable lifestyle, proving that managing diabetes can also mean thriving.

Developing structured daily routine

Edna Panaligan Sta. Ana, 64, received her diabetes diagnosis during a routine health screening at a local mall. Although her mother was diagnosed with diabetes, Edna was convinced she had ‘escaped it.’

That belief changed quickly when her blood sugar was recorded at 200 mg/dL, significantly higher than the typical random blood glucose level of 125 mg/dL or lower. Shocked but determined, she immediately took action.

Upon her diagnosis in 2003, Edna immediately developed a structured daily routine anchored on prevention. Her mornings begin with light indoor cycling or a walk around her garden. She prepares home-cooked meals rich in vegetables and fiber.

Her advocacy extends beyond her home: Edna runs a Facebook page called Elderly of Santa Maria Bulacan, where she shares health tips and nutritional inspirations for fellow elderly Filipinos.

Thanks to her consistency, Edna now maintains her blood sugar at a healthier range of 120 mg/dL. Her story shows that living well with diabetes is not about restrictions but about creating daily habits and nutritional strategies that support energy, health, and independence in older adults.

Overhauling old lifestyle

Ramon Borromeo, 62, a retired seaman, discovered he had diabetes in 1990 during a required medical exam before boarding a ship. Unlike others, he had no symptoms at the time, but the diagnosis motivated him to overhaul his lifestyle. He cut out sugary food, switched to a low-carb diet, and made sure to take his medications on every sea voyage.

In 2024, after experiencing nighttime chills and shaking – which are often signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar – his doctor advised him to take one serving of the nutritional supplement. The effect was both physical and emotional: his blood sugar dropped from 162 mg/dL to 108 mg/dL, and he no longer wakes up trembling but enjoys uninterrupted sleep.

Ramon’s case illustrates the significant benefits of managing glucose variability – particularly during the night, a challenge often overlooked in individuals who have lived with diabetes for many years. His improved sleep quality and better glycemic control highlight the importance of tailored evening nutrition strategies for older adults with diabetes.

Sharp pivot

Salvador Baroro, 64, saw his blood sugar reach 332 mg/dL in 2015, and it became a moment of reckoning in his life. A longtime bakery and grocery store owner, he ate what he wanted and thought little of long-term consequences.

After his diagnosis, Salvador made a sharp pivot. He closed his store, retired early, and committed to daily hikes on nearby mountain trails. In 2018, with encouragement from his doctor, he began drinking the diabetes-specific supplement in the morning and evening.

‘It helped keep me full and replaced the bad habits I used to reward myself with,’ Salvador said.

As a result, his blood sugar normalized to 105 mg/dL, and he shed nearly 60 kilograms in body weight. Beyond the numbers, Salvador found new structure, freedom, and mental clarity.

His case is a striking example of how combining regular physical activity with a diet incorporating diabetes-specific formula can help reshape not just health, but also quality of life.

Managing diabetes with nutrition

Edna, Ramon, and Salvador are living proof that life with diabetes does not have to mean giving up the things you love. Their journeys highlight how proper nutrition can be a powerful ally in managing diabetes effectively.

Science-backed solutions provide structured nutritional support that helps regulate blood sugar through slow glucose release, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced cardio-metabolic health – especially when paired with medication and regular physical activity.

The key is not restriction – it is balance. By incorporating diabetes-specific formulas into the daily routine, you can build healthier habits that are not only easier to maintain but also more sustainable in the long run. With the right knowledge, consistent daily actions, and supportive tools, small steps can lead to meaningful and lasting progress.

Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson is prodding the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to immediately start the construction of the P17.75-billion Metro Manila Subway, saying the three-year delay has pushed the project’s completion to 2032.

Singson, president and chairman of the LCS Group of Companies which owns the Metrowalk commercial hub in Pasig, said his company issued to the DOTr a permit-to-enter on Sept. 30, 2022, but construction has yet to commence.

‘We are appealing to DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez to immediately start the long-delayed construction of the Metro Manila Subway,’ Singson said.

He noted that the project, which was awarded to Megawide Construction Corp. in partnership with Japan’s Tokyu Construction and Tobishima Corp., has been stalled despite all preparations in place.

‘The construction should start right away,’ Singson said, adding that the prolonged delay undermines efforts to ease Metro Manila’s worsening traffic congestion

Retail prices of building materials in Metro Manila posted a slightly lower growth rate in September due to a slowdown in government infrastructure spending amid an ongoing probe on corruption in flood control projects.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released yesterday showed that the Construction Materials Retail Price Index (CMRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) moved up at a slower pace of one percent in September from 1.1 percent in August.

The September CMRPI growth was also slower than the 1.2-percent uptick posted in the same month last year.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said in an email that the slower growth in construction materials’ retail prices could ‘reflect some slowdown in government spending especially on infrastructure, in view of the anti-corruption narrative or measures since the SONA (State of the Nation Address) on July 28, amid political noises related to the anomalous flood control projects.’

Ricafort said these developments could lead to slower demand for construction materials.

Ricafort also cited weather-related disruptions as the storms that hit the country from July to September reduced working days and construction activities.

The reduction, however, was offset by reconstruction, rebuilding or repair activities for damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure especially in hard-hit areas.

The PSA said the downtrend in the CMRPI in NCR was primarily due to the decline in prices of carpentry materials at 0.1 percent in September from a 0.3-percent uptick in August.

Also contributing to the downtrend was the slower increase in prices of plumbing materials at 0.1 percent in September from the previous month’s 0.4 percent.

Other commodity groups with slower mark-ups in September from the previous month were electrical materials (1.8 percent from 1.9 percent), masonry materials (1.4 percent from 1.5 percent) and miscellaneous construction materials (0.2 percent from 0.4 percent).

The Philippine economy might fall short of meeting its full-year growth target, the Department of Finance (DOF) said, as slower revenue collection and dampened government spending continue to weigh on the country’s expansion prospects.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also revealed that the Philippines was poised to receive a credit rating upgrade from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A-‘ from S and P Global Ratings this year, if not for the corruption scandal that erupted over the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Recto noted that several factors could influence the country’s economic performance, as a rebound in private sector confidence and sustained household spending amid easing interest rates could help offset the slowdown.

‘We could miss it, 5.5 percent? We hit 5.4 percent,’ Recto told reporters after the Senate deliberations on the DOF’s budget.

The Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee lowered this year’s economic growth target to 5.5 to 6.5 percent from the earlier projection of six to eight percent.

‘We reduced the interest rates last week. It will be wind in our sail moving forward. And more rate cuts will be good for the economy. But it all depends on where inflation will be,’ Recto added.

The Philippine economy expanded in the second quarter to 5.5 percent, slightly faster than the 5.4 percent recorded in the first quarter of this year.

However, Recto admitted that an economic slowdown would likely rein in due to subdued spending, which could have an impact on overall economic activity.

‘There may be a possible slowdown in growth this third quarter because of the reforms being initiated by the President to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent properly in executing the budget,’ Recto said during the budget deliberation.

He added that the economic outlook remains positive moving forward, as the economy is expected to realize its full growth potential once current issues are resolved.

‘As the government slows down its spending, the economy may also be slightly affected,’ the Finance chief added.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that government spending on infrastructure and other capital outlays decreased to P93.3 billion in July, from P124.9 billion the previous year.

The DBM attributed the decrease to the muted disbursements, citing delays in procurement activities and contractors’ incomplete submissions and billings.

Recto added that the favorable demographic data and a stable macroeconomic environment could easily sustain growth, provided that the government executes the budget properly and ensures the proper use of taxpayers’ funds.

‘The good news is that moving forward, everything will be on the upside because we are fixing the problems. This, however, remains the biggest internal threat,’ he said.

The finance chief earlier stated that economic growth could have reached six percent, as economic losses from alleged corruption in infrastructure projects are estimated to be between P42.3 billion and P118.5 billion.

During the budget hearing, Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian said he does not want people to lose confidence in the government and boycott paying taxes because of the corruption of public funds in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

‘That’s why it’s important to fight corruption and curb corruption. I commend the DOF for stating that the department will never tolerate corruption,’ he stressed.

Domino effect

When asked if there’s a significant chance of a credit rating reduction, Recto said there remains a strong possibility that the country’s credit rating will be maintained, although he noted that the likelihood of an upgrade had been much higher before the controversy.

‘You know, if not for this flood control issue, when we met with S and P, they were ready to give us a credit rating upgrade. When we met with them last week, they were ready, we were already set to move one notch higher. So it’s really unfortunate,’ he said.

A high credit rating indicates that the country is considered creditworthy, meaning it is very likely to repay its debts on time. An improvement in the rating signals a strong economy, rooted in sound fiscal management, which can lead to lower borrowing costs.

S and P Global Ratings has previously revised its growth outlook for the Philippines downward to 5.6 percent from the previous 5.9 percent, citing weaker private consumption, slower investment activity and ongoing global economic uncertainties.

With the proposal to reduce the value-added tax to 10 percent from the current 12 percent, Recto warned that a decrease in revenues could surely impact the Philippines’ global rating.

He added that he would likely share the same view if he were in the credit agency’s position.

‘It is governance. We have to improve on that and I’m convinced that we will be able to do it. It will take us a few months to finish all of that,’ he said.

Most Filipinos were angry and outraged over issues of corruption in government infrastructure projects, according to a recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Results of the Sept. 25 to 30 survey released yesterday showed that 60 percent of the respondents selected anger or outrage as the primary emotion that best described their reaction to the issue.

Another 30 percent said they were fearful or anxious, while nine percent selected sadness or sorrow.

Only one percent said they felt hope or optimism as various government agencies start their investigation on the alleged anomalies involving ranking government officials.

In an interview with ‘Storycon’ on One News, OCTA president Ranjit Rye said the findings showed a ‘clear, uncompromising public mandate for justice, accountability and institutional reform.’

‘People are angry and expect real action. They want corrupt officials and contractors jailed and public funds recovered,’ he said.

Rye noted that the strongest anger came from Gen Z and millennial respondents, who make up a large portion of the voting population.

‘Outrage and anger are powerful emotions, and this could accelerate the development of strong social movements,’ he said, adding that the sentiment could influence the country’s political landscape in 2028. Rye emphasized that the public expects ‘serious, not performative’ action.

‘The President started this. People appreciate it, but he must go full force and follow through with reforms and accountability,’ he said.

He also warned that failure to act decisively could deepen public distrust in government, saying that ‘if nobody is jailed, distrust for government will rise and that will affect its legitimacy.’

Rye said corruption ranked among the top five national issues for the first time in four years, alongside inflation, wages, food access, jobs and poverty. ‘We’re at a critical juncture. People are demanding real change,’ he said.

Palace: Calm down

Malacañang, for its part, has urged the public to remain calm in demanding accountability.

‘Calm down. This cannot be done hastily,’ Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing when asked to comment on public demand for accountability, based on the OCTA poll.

Castro urged Filipinos to allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to complete its work.

Based on the OCTA survey, 83 percent of the respondents agreed to President Marcos’ decision to publicly expose corruption in infrastructure projects.

Only three percent disagreed with his move, while 13 percent were undecided on the issue.

The respondents were also asked which institutions or groups they feel is in the best position to conduct the investigation.

Almost half or 46 percent said it should be an independent commission composed of individuals from the private sector, such as the ICI created by the President.

Twenty-three percent of the respondents backed the Senate investigation, while 13 percent selected the one undertaken by the House of Representatives. Another eight percent said it’s the Department of Public Works and Highways that should conduct an investigation.

Most respondents expect accountability, jail time and institutional reform as the outcome of the flood control investigations.

The top five preferred outcomes, OCTA said, are holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68 percent), recovery of lost or misused public funds (58 percent), imprisonment of those proven guilty (58 percent), ensuring efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41 percent) and strengthening transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34 percent).

The total exceeded 100 percent as the respondents were allowed to select multiple responses.

Other desired outcomes were faster completion of government infrastructure projects (27 percent), restoration of public trust in the government (24 percent) and reform in bidding and procurement processes (13 percent).

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

University of Santo Tomas growled to its third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament after clawing Far Eastern University, 92-80, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Growling Tigers rose to 5-1 in the season, sharing the lead with National University, while the Tamaraws dropped to 1-5.

Kyle Paranada powered UST with 19 points, four assists and two rebounds on a near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting, while Nic Cabanero and Gelo Crisostomo had 14 markers apiece.

It was a nip-and-tuck game through the fourth quarter, as the two teams traded buckets almost the whole game.

A Jorick Bautista 3-pointer pushed FEU ahead, 73-72, but Paranada and Cabanero took turns with their deuces as the Tigers turned things up a notch and take an 80-73 lead with 5:36 left.

Mo Konateh and Janrey Pasaol made it a 80-82 deficit for FEU, as the Tamaraws tried to charge back with 4:01 remaining.

But a massive finishing 10-0 kick by UST, courtesy of Crisostomo and Collins Akowe, slammed the door shut on the Morayta-based squad.

Akowe had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, to go with four blocks and a steal. Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 11 points, but he struggled with a 2-of-10 clip.

Pasaol filled the statsheet for the Tamaraws with 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while Konateh tallied 19 markers, 11 boards, four swats, three steals and two dimes for FEU.

UST will try to finish the first round strong as it takes on Adamson on Saturday, while the FEU will try to return to the winning column as it faces University of the East on Sunday. Both games will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Chanelle Avaricio held on to a precarious one-shot lead despite a grinding even-par 72, as Daniella Uy and Sarah Ababa closed in with gutsy rounds to set up a thrilling three-way battle heading into the final round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here Wednesday.

Avaricio, who lit up the course with a flawless 67 on Tuesday, struggled with her approach shots in Round 2, limiting her birdie chances and forcing her to lean on a sharp short game to salvage crucial pars.

‘My driving was good but I struggled with my second shots. I also had difficulties with my putting,’ said Avaricio, after stringing together 18 pars in a gritty round that kept her on top at 139.

Despite the challenges, the Forest Hills champion remains focused on staying present.

‘I’ll just be in the moment, hoping for a great day tomorrow,’ she said, emphasizing the mental aspect of competing under pressure.

Still, she knows it could all come down to the final holes.

‘Hopefully, the putts will drop,’ Avaricio added, acknowledging the fine margins in play at the challenging Del Monte Golf Club.

Tempering expectations, she opted to keep her sights grounded.

‘I’m not sure of my chances, but I’ll do my best,’ she said.

Uy, taking a break from the Taiwan tour, opted for a conservative approach on the tight, tree-lined layout, carding a 71 highlighted by two birdies and a lone bogey. Her steady play placed her just a stroke back at 140, setting up a compelling duel with Avaricio.

‘I’m not really thinking about scoring a repeat. I just want to focus on my game, trust the process and stay with my routine,’ said Uy, downplaying her chances despite being the defending champion at Del Monte.

She also stressed the need to block out distractions.

‘I’ll try not to get too distracted,’ she added, keeping her eyes firmly on the task at hand.

Uy credited her rivals for their deft touch around the greens, something she hopes to replicate.

‘They’re really good with their short game. I guess I also need to out my short game,’ she said with a smile.

Unlike the top two, Ababa went on the offensive, firing four birdies against two bogeys for a 70, pulling within two shots at 141 and putting herself firmly in the title hunt in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

‘Mas gumanda ang irons ko today compared sa first round. My ball control and placements were good and my putting remains steady,’ said Ababa, showing confidence in her improving form.

Fueled by a desire to bounce back from a tough playoff loss to Princess Superal at Caliraya Springs last August, the Davaoeña is also drawing strength from a special partnership.

‘Hindi ko iniisip ang laro ng mga kalaban. Basta ako, gusto ko lang mag-enjoy at relax ako kasi tatay ko din ang caddie ko,’ she said, referring to her father-caddie Edgar, a former tour pro.

Still, she knows where improvements are needed.

‘I just need to work on my driving,’ said Ababa.

Behind the leading trio, Kristine Fleetwood joined the chase with a 70 to move to 142, just three shots back. Meanwhile, Mafy Singson posted the day’s best round – a 69 – to vault into a three-way tie at 143 with Harmie Constantino (72) and local hopeful Velinda Castil (73).

Martina Miñoza, another homegrown talent, settled for a second straight 72 for a 144, while Florence Bisera – winner of two titles last month – continued to struggle, carding a 73 for a 146, leaving her seven shots behind Avaricio.

The Office of the Ombudsman has lifted a four-year restriction on public access to government officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), reopening the way for citizens, media, and civil groups to request copies under new procedural rules.

The Ombudsman on Tuesday, Oct. 14, officially repealed its 2020 memorandum under Duterte administration’s Samuel Martires that had limited access to SALNs.

Under the new rules, all requests must be made through a prescribed “SALN Request Form”-except when covered by a subpoena or an official request from a quasi-judicial or investigative body, or as otherwise determined by the Ombudsman.

Each request must be filed in duplicate, subscribed and sworn before an authorized Ombudsman officer. Requests may be lodged with any Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office, or PACPO, at the Central Office or with regional Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Bureaus, or PACPB.

If a request concerns an official not covered by existing lists or a newly created office, the Central Office will serve as the default repository. Applicants must shoulder reproduction and certification costs.

Identification and review process. Applicants are required to present at least two valid IDs, one of which must be government-issued. Additional provisions apply to requests filed by media or students.

Each request will be assessed by a processing officer and reviewed by the PACPO or PACPB. Cases involving grounds for denial will be elevated to the Office of Legal Affairs. Approved requests will be released ‘within a reasonable period,’ the guidelines state.

When requests may be denied

Access may be denied in specific circumstances, including when:

The Ombudsman is not the official repository of the requested SALN.

The SALN is not on file.

The request is made for an unauthorized commercial purpose.

The requester has a record of misuse.

The request is linked to an attempt to influence or harass a party in a pending case.

There is evidence of extortion or safety risks.

The requester’s identity is fictitious.

The purpose violates law, morals, or public policy.

Redactions and privacy safeguards

Certain personal information will be redacted to protect officials and their families, including:

Complete home address of the declarant.

Names, birthdates, and ages of unmarried children below 18 living in the household.

Signatures of the declarant and co-declarant.

Government-issued identification numbers.

Released SALNs will include a watermark, control number, and disclaimer identifying them as redacted copies issued to a specific requester.

Publication and compliance requirements

Any party that publishes or broadcasts material derived from a SALN must submit a copy or link of the output to the Ombudsman within five calendar days of dissemination.

These submissions will allow the Ombudsman to monitor use of SALN data and ensure that reporting aligns with the stated purpose of the request. The office may initiate an investigation if potential misuse or misrepresentation is found.

Non-submission of published material will be considered a violation of the requester’s undertaking and may lead to denial of future SALN requests.

For lifestyle checks: The Ombudsman also advised that individuals with evidence of assets disproportionate to a public official’s income should file a formal complaint with the Field Investigation Office instead of a SALN request. Such complaints must include details on the official’s assets, lifestyle, income sources, and supporting evidence.