Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not prevent anyone from requesting a copy of his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Malaca±ang said on Thursday. This announcement follows a formal request by the Akbayan Party and several civil society groups to the Office of the Ombudsman for the release of SALNs of President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and other top government officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, the request was made in a letter submitted to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. This action comes after the issuance of Memorandum Circular 3, which lifts restrictions on public access to government officials’ SALNs. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that President Marcos would not obstruct these requests, stating, ‘Just wait. The President will not stop that.’

Castro also mentioned that Marcos and his Cabinet are prepared to make their SALNs public. The Cabinet members have already convened to discuss the disclosure of their financial documents. This move follows a 2020 decision by the Office of the Ombudsman that limited public access to government officials’ SALNs, requiring consent from the statement’s owner before any request could be evaluated.

In response to this development, several senators and congressmen have proactively begun releasing their SALNs, reflecting a growing trend toward transparency within the government.