Chiz seeks waivers on bank accounts by all gov't officials

Senator Chiz Escudero on Friday sought waivers on bank accounts for all government officials in favor of the Ombudsman, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLAC).

"This will make it a lot easier for us to discover any assets that may have been illegally acquired," Escudero, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said in a statement.

"In fact, as committee on justice chair, I will be coming out with a report recommending that this waiver be included together with the submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL) of all officials," he added.

The senator, however, said that there should be "stiff penalties" on illegal acquisition and use of such information by any of the aforementioned agencies.

Escudero also said that as the Senate representative in the Judicial and Bar Council, he has proposed that all applicants to the judiciary from the private sector should also submit a SAL.

The senator also welcomed the challenge made by former Presidential Anti-Graft Chair Nicasio Conti for all local and national candidates in the 2010 elections to sign a bank waiver so the people will know their financial worth before, during, and after taking office.

"If this is what is needed to restore the people's confidence and trust in public officials, then I will sign up without any qualms when the time comes," Escudero said.

He said the stench of corruption in government can no longer be deodorized by self-serving calls for moral renewal.

"We have to put preventive mechanisms in place," Escudero said.