Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District) Saturday said government officials need not sign a waiver that would allow for the opening of their banks accounts, their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth already allow access.

The SALN is already a waiver that allows the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Ombudsman and other government agency access, she said.

The issuance of a waiver on top of the SALN is not required by the Constitution, it is a personal choice, she added.

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona’s challenge to the 188 congressmen who signed the impeachment complaint against him to sign waivers for their bank accounts was a desperate move, she said.

It was a tactic to divert attention away from himself, she said.

The recent conviction of Corona is a reminder, not only for those in the judiciary, but to everyone from the top to the bottom of the government bureaucracy to be honest in their SALN declarations, she said.*CPG

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