Casiño says Noynoy making 'palusot' for not signing waiver

News Release

June 1, 2012

Reference: Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, 09209035683 

Casiño says Noynoy making 'palusot' for not signing waiver

Partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño today expressed his disappointment at the refusal of President Benigno Aquino III to sign a waiver on his bank accounts.

“Pres. Aquino missed the point entirely. Due to our bank secrecy laws, the waivers become the litmus test for public officials to show that they are transparent and have nothing to hide. The question now is, may tinatago ba siya?” Casiño said.

He said the President missed the chance to set a good example for greater transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the Corona impeachment. "Sa ating karanasan kay Corona, hindi na sapat ang simpleng paglabas ng SALN. Ang gustong malaman ng tao ngayon ay kung totoo ba o hindi ang idinedeklara natin sa ating SALN. Kaya nagiging importante ngayon ang waiver."

“In truth, the waiver is important not because there is a complaint against an official but because this would help the Ombudsman in investigating whether or not an official lied in his SALN or is engaged in illegally amassing wealth," said Casiño.

“Pres. Aquino should look beyond Corona's stunt because that is over. Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay isang bagong pamantayan ng pananagutan sa mamamayan at hindi ng mga palusot,” he added.

“The President's apprehension that it may be used against him or his bets for the coming election is misplaced. Palusot yan. He may simply address the waiver to the Ombudsman so that not just anyone can access or invent anything in his accounts,” the solon said.

Last Wednesday, Casiño and fellow Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares, Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano, Gabriela Women’s party Reps. Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus, Act Teachers partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino signed waivers on their bank accounts in favor of the Ombudsman. They are calling on the President and other public officials to do the same.

"A lesson from the Corona trial is that when one enters public office, the absolute confidentiality of our bank records is one of the things we have to sacrifice. In fact we signed our waivers even if there are no complaints against us. The President should be the one leading by example and as the people’s clamour for public officials to be more transparent is mounting, he of all people should not be left behind,” ended Casiño. # # #