Out of 24 members of the Philippine Senate, only three have so far made their 2024 Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) accessible to the public.
Senator Risa Hontiveros was the first to directly provide reporters with copies of her wealth declaration, listing a net worth of ₱18.98 million. Her assets include business interests in Planet Dive Inc., the New Rural Bank of San Leonardo (Nueva Ecija) Inc., and La Luna Corp. She declared three residential properties valued at ₱8.73 million, personal properties worth ₱19.8 million, and a car loan of ₱897,840. Hontiveros also reported that she has no relatives in government service.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that he is open to releasing his SALN once it is ready. “Sinabi ko kay SP Sotto na open ako na ibigay yung aking SALN… In fact, this is not the first time kung may humihingi, members of the media. Actually, in the past, maraming humihingi, so binibigay namin as long as may official request; wala kaming hinihindian,” he said.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, instructed reporters to file their requests with the Senate Secretariat. “To those asking for my SALN, send a request to the Senate Secretariat. They already have instructions on how to distribute my SALN and those of other senators,” he said.
Senator Robinhood Padilla earlier wrote to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. authorizing the release of his wealth declaration. “Ako po ay sumusulat sa inyo upang ipahayag ang aking kusang loob na pagbibigay ng waiver o pahintulot sa anumang aksyon o proseso kaugnay ng full disclosure ng aking Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth,” he said, emphasizing that public service demands transparency and accountability.
Despite their statements, the actual SALNs of Gatchalian, Sotto, and Padilla have yet to be distributed to the media.
