Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has approved the filing of multiple charges of Falsification against former Makati City administrator Nicanor Santiago, Jr. in connection with false disclosures in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Investigation found that from 2002 to 2005, Santiago deliberately failed to declare his business interests in Transport Affiliates Corporation, Ocinakire Akkenad, Inc., and North Star Cable TV, Inc.
In an eight-page Resolution, the Ombudsman stated that “a perusal of respondent’s SALNs for calendar years 2002 to 2005 shows no business interest or financial connections.”
According to Ombudsman Morales, “as a public officer, (Santiago) has the legal obligation under Section 8 of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), 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.”
She added that “(Santiago) did it for four consecutive years thereby clearly showing respondent’s deliberate intent to hide his business interests.”
Under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, Falsification is committed by a public officer who makes untruthful statements in a narration of facts which are absolutely false. ###