MANILA — The Pasay City Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) has convicted a Bureau of Customs (BOC) employee after the latter pleaded guilty to a violation of the rule on Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
BOC Special Agent Wilfredo Sebastian was convicted on two counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” for failure to file his 2008 and 2009 SALNs.
Sebastian, assisted by his counsel, changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” after informing the court that he fully understood the nature and consequence of the change of plea.
MeTC Branch 48 Presiding Judge Allan Ariola sentenced Sebastian to pay a fine of PHP2,500 for each count, or a total of PHP5,000.
Under Section 8 of RA 6713, public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth, and financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.
The SALN must be filed within 30 days after assumption of office on or before April 30, of every year thereafter and within 30 days after separation from the service. (PNA)