Yesterday, Mar signed a waiver allowing the Ombudsman and BIR to look into all his bank accounts and transactions, starting from when he first joined government service more than twenty years ago. Leni did the same.
It didn’t take long for Duterte’s fans to react. Rather than hold their idol accountable for the charges raised by Trillanes, they are instead nitpicking Mar’s waiver.
None of this is true. The waiver is legally binding.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte has written a Facebook post clarifying the waiver’s purpose.
On the issue of the “nickname”: Mar has legally changed his name to Manuel Mar Roxas. Also, the waiver clearly indicates the affiant’s address and passport number. Again: the document is valid.
Since he resigned as DILG Secretary last year, Mar is no longer under obligation to waive his rights under the bank secrecy law or submit his SALN. Despite this, he has voluntarily authorized the Ombudsman and even the BIR to check his bank transactions. What can be more transparent than that?
Meanwhile, Duterte, who is currently embroiled in a scandal regarding undisclosed assets, has chosen to dodge the issue and lie, lie, lie.
Let us reflect on these wise words from Cayetano, Duterte’s running mate:
Fight for Mar 