Walter Reynoso Sr., a Customs Operations Officer of the Bureau of Customs, was convicted on 14 counts of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713). He was sentenced to pay a fine of P7,000.00, or P500.00 per count.
In a complaint filed by the Department of Finance-Revenue Integrity Protection Service, it was alleged that the accused failed to file his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) from 1998 to 2004, and from 2006 to 2012. The accused filed a Motion to Dismiss on the ground of inordinate delay which was denied by Presiding Judge Jerome Jimenez of Branch 6 of the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila.
During his arraignment, the accused, assisted by counsel entered a plea of guilty after informing the court that he understood the nature of the charge and the consequences of his plea.
Under Section 8 of R.A. 6713, public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under eighteen years of age living in their households. The SALN must be filed within thirty days after assumption of office; on or before April 30, of every year thereafter; and within thirty days after separation from the service. ###