In a political climate often clouded by secrecy and mistrust, Senator Risa Hontiveros has taken a bold step toward restoring faith in public service. On Monday, the Senate Deputy Majority Leader made her 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) publicly available — a move that has quickly drawn praise for its rare display of transparency.

“Bukas para sa taumbayan, walang dapat itago,” Hontiveros said, underscoring her belief that public service must always be open to scrutiny.

According to her declaration, Hontiveros’ total net worth stands at ₱18,986,160, with ₱19,884,000 in total assets, including both real and personal properties. Her liabilities amount to ₱897,840, representing an existing car loan.

While the numbers themselves drew attention, it was the act of disclosure — not the digits — that resonated most with the public.

A Stand for Transparency

For years, the release of government officials’ SALNs has been a point of contention. Access to these documents — meant to serve as a tool for public accountability — was restricted under a 2020 memorandum by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires. That policy required officials’ consent before their SALNs could be released, effectively shielding wealth declarations from public scrutiny.

But with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla recently revoking that restrictive rule, the door to transparency has reopened. Hontiveros seized that opportunity, becoming one of the first officials to voluntarily disclose her SALN under the restored policy.

“Public service demands transparency,” she said. “The people have the right to know how their leaders manage their assets, and whether we live up to the integrity our positions require.”

Breaking the Culture of Secrecy

Hontiveros, long recognized for her progressive stance on governance reform, described the past restrictions on SALN access as “unjust, unconstitutional, and against public interest.” Her firm position echoes a growing call among advocacy groups and watchdog organizations for greater transparency in government.

“Transparency is not an option — it’s a duty,” she emphasized. “We can’t talk about accountability if we’re afraid of being accountable ourselves.”

Her office confirmed that her SALN may be accessed by the public upon request, in line with data privacy rules that omit sensitive personal information like her home address and signature.

This careful balance — openness without compromising privacy — has been cited by good governance advocates as a model for how other officials can follow suit.

Public Reaction: Hope and Challenge

Hontiveros’ move was met with both applause and challenge. On social media, many Filipinos expressed admiration, calling her “a rare example of integrity in politics.” Others viewed it as a test for her colleagues in Congress and the executive branch — asking who among them would dare to be as transparent.

“Finally, someone walks the talk,” one netizen wrote. “Let’s see who’s brave enough to follow.”

Political analysts also noted the significance of Hontiveros’ timing. Her decision comes amid a renewed push for anti-corruption reforms, particularly following the creation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICI) — a new body tasked with investigating massive public fund anomalies. By going public with her SALN, Hontiveros aligns herself with this movement toward openness and public accountability.

Setting a New Benchmark

The senator’s declaration may seem simple — one form, one statement — but it represents something much bigger: a challenge to the culture of concealment that has long plagued Philippine politics.

By voluntarily releasing her SALN, Hontiveros is not only complying with transparency laws — she’s redefining them. In doing so, she sends a message to her fellow lawmakers: leadership means being answerable to the people, not above them.

Government transparency advocates quickly lauded her action, calling it a “landmark gesture” that could inspire systemic change. “This is what leadership with integrity looks like,” said one civil society group. “When leaders lead by example, the public starts believing again.”

More Than Numbers

Beyond her declared wealth, Hontiveros’ act speaks to a broader vision for governance — one where officials serve as custodians, not owners, of public trust.

Her SALN reflects modest means compared to many of her peers, a point that reinforces her long-standing image as a public servant grounded in principle rather than privilege.

But for Hontiveros, it’s not about comparisons. It’s about the moral standard every official should uphold. “Transparency keeps us honest,” she said. “And honesty keeps democracy alive.”

The Bigger Picture

With the Ombudsman’s new directive restoring public access to SALNs, more officials are now expected to follow Hontiveros’ lead. The revised rules make it clear: no prior consent from the official is needed for public release.

The challenge now lies in consistency — ensuring that the promise of transparency doesn’t end with a single press release, but becomes a lasting practice across all branches of government.

For many Filipinos weary of corruption and concealment, Risa Hontiveros’ action feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a small yet powerful gesture that says: the era of hiding may finally be over.

As one commentator aptly put it: “When leaders open their books, they open the door to public trust.”

If that door stays open, it could mark the start of something the nation has long been waiting for — a government that truly belongs to the people.