07-07-2025
Marcos pushing for accountability, transparency in gov't — Palace
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is pushing for accountability and transparency in the government, Malacañang ensured Monday.
At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about the call of Senate President Francis Escudero, compelling public officials to waive their bank secrecy rights.
She was asked if the President would support Escudero's call.
''Ang Pangulo po ay sang-ayon po at dapat lamang po nating ipatupad itong accountability and transparency sa gobyerno. So, hindi po tayo magkakaroon ng negatibong sagot mula sa Pangulo,'' Castro said.
(The President is in favor and we should enforce accountability and transparency in the government. So, we will not have a negative response from the President.)
Escudero has renewed his call for transparency and accountability in government as he proposed a measure, mandating all public officials and employees to waive their rights under Republic Act No. 1405, or the Law on the Secrecy of Bank Deposits, and Republic Act No. 6426, or the Foreign Currency Deposit Act.
The bill states that all government personnel—except those serving in an honorary capacity—will be required to submit a written waiver authorizing the Office of the Ombudsman to examine all their deposits and investments, including foreign currency accounts, in a fresh bid to reinforce anti-corruption efforts and bolster public trust in government institutions.
'This bill has languished for too long,' Escudero said in a separate statement. 'I'm hopeful that this time, we can turn the rhetoric of transparency into actionable policy.' — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
