Special Agent Wilfredo Sebastian of the Bureau of Customs was convicted by the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of Pasay City on two counts of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) for failure to file his 2008 and 2009 Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
Sebastian, assisted by his counsel, changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” after informing the court that he fully understood the nature and consequence of the change of plea. MeTC Branch 48 Presiding Judge Allan Ariola sentenced Sebastian to pay a fine of P2,500.00 for each count, or a total of P5,000.00.
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. ###