MANILA — Former Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Ceasar Soriano has pleaded guilty before the Sandiganbayan to charges of violating the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” for not filing his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
During his Jan. 8, 2018 trial, Soriano, through his legal counsel, manifested in open court his intention to change his plea of “not guilty” to “guilty”.
Records of the case showed that the accused failed to file his SALN within 30 days after the expiration of his term in 2013.
Republic Act 6713 requires all public officials and employees to declare under oath their assets, liabilities, net worth, business interest, and financial connections, including those of their spouse and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.
This obligation is complied with through the accomplishment of the SALN to be filed with the chief or head of the personnel/administrative division or unit/human resource management office within 30 days after assumption of office on or before April 30 of each subsequent year and within 30 days from separation from the service. (Perfecto Raymundo, Jr./PNA)
