Department head: Some real properties in SALN not mine

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City information officer Arturo Bas, the richest department head, yesterday said most of the real properties declared in his Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) belongs to his wife.

Bas has declared a residential house, buildings, and agricultural land amounting to P11.827 million.

In a separate interview, city budget officer Edgar Mabunay, who is the poorest department head, with only a networth of P20,000 as shown in his SALN, said his only income comes from his salary as a government employee.  

“Nagsalig ra man ko sa akong sweldo. Wala man ko’y laing income. Wala pud ko’y properties kay naa man ko sa akong parents nagpuyo,” Mabunay said.

Mabunay, who makes P591,379 annually, declared no properties except jewelry worth P150,000 and home appliances amounting to P50,000. His loans taken from GSIS and other personal loans amount to P180,000. 

“I have no interest in investing. I am poor and I am not ashamed of that,” Mabunay added.

Bas, however, said that the four lots in Lagtang, which includes buildings and one in barangay Cansojong belongs to his wife.

Bas said his only property is their house in Lagtang, which has a market value of P522,000 and his vehicle, which is worth P1.6 million and some cash and jewelry.        

Public officials and employees are required to submit their SALN under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Government officials and employees who lie or fail to submit their annual SALN face legal suits. –  THE FREEMAN