How frequently must public officials submit their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN)?

Public officials are required to submit their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) annually, reflecting their financial condition as of December 31 of the preceding year. This requirement is intended to promote transparency and accountability among government officials, ensuring that they provide an accurate representation of their financial status to the public. The annual submission allows for a systematic evaluation of a public official's wealth and helps prevent corruption and conflicts of interest, as it provides stakeholders with a clear view of the official's financial dealings over time.

The other frequency options, such as monthly, quarterly, and biennially, do not align with the legal stipulations set forth in R.A. No. 6713. Monthly or quarterly submissions would likely increase the administrative burden on public officials and the agencies responsible for oversight, while biennial reporting may not provide sufficient transparency within each year regarding any significant changes in assets or liabilities. Thus, the annual requirement strikes an appropriate balance between transparency and practicality.