Flood Probe Bombshell: Ombudsman Flags Lawmakers’ SALNs
The Ombudsman says irregularities were found in SALNs of lawmakers linked to the flood control project scandal.
The flood control scandal is getting hotter after the Office of the Ombudsman said it found irregularities in the declared wealth of House members linked to the controversy.
According to Philstar.com, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said investigators discovered issues while checking the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, or SALNs, of lawmakers tagged in the flood control project mess. He said the agency is comparing SALN declarations with official registries to see if declared assets match what is actually listed.
Clavano did not name the lawmakers because the investigation is still ongoing. In April, the Ombudsman obtained SALNs of 26 House members connected to the controversy, and Clavano said more SALNs may be subpoenaed as the anti-graft body expands its review of infrastructure-related anomalies.
The probe also includes lifestyle checks ordered by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on lawmakers allegedly acting as government contractors, sometimes called “congtractors.” Remulla previously said 12 to 15 House members had undeniable links to construction firms that won millions in public works contracts, and that more than 10 percent of the chamber may be involved in the multibillion-peso flood control issue.
The Senate side is also shifting after Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he felt relieved to no longer head the Blue Ribbon committee, while Sen. Pia Cayetano said she would review matters referred to the panel and decide which issues to prioritize. Source: Philstar.com
