‘Erap denied chance to correct SAL’

Ousted President Joseph Estrada was not given a chance by government prosecutors to correct the statement of assets and liabilities (SAL) he had submitted to the office of the Ombudsman, although the law allows him to do so, defense lawyers said yesterday.

Former senator Rene Saguisag, Estrada’s lead counsel, said he presented witness Ricardo Paras III, chief state counsel at the Department of Justice, to show the Sandiganbayan that Estrada was denied due process when the government filed its perjury case against him in 2001.

In his testimony, Paras, a career official, said Republic Act 6719, the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees, provides for a review and compliance period that allows officials to make necessary corrections on their SAL.

"The individual to whom an opinion is rendered, and another individual involved in a similar factual situation, and who, after the issuance of the opinion acts in good faith in accordance with it, shall not be subject to any sanction provided in this act," he said.

Under DOJ Order No. 16, series of 1994 then Justice Secretary Franklin Drilon formed a committee to review the SALs of government officials or employees, he added.

Under section 11 of the DOJ order, there shall be "three members" of the panel in the main office, and one for each of its attached agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration.

The panel will conduct a "complete review" and shall submit its report after 120 days.

Government prosecutors held Estrada liable for perjury for declaring a net worth of only P37.3 million in 1998, when his total deposits in three banks alone had amounted to P58 million, apart from interests in eight private firms. — Delon Porcalla