All presidential candidates are challenged to demonstrate their sense of transparency by disclosing their health and financial status to the public.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Tuesday issued the challenge as he likened the presidency to applying for a job which a presidentiable must be fully fit for.
“In this case you are an applicant for a valued and critical position. Your employer is the Taongbayan and to get the job you ought to prove you are fully qualified with your credentials. And since this is a top managerial position, your leadership experience and background and also if you are physically fit for this 24/7 job, enough to lead for six years,” Belmonte said.
“Disclosing their health records will show if they are physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically fit to become president. Meanwhile, disclosing their financial status would show their actual assets, net worth, and business interests, and ease any public suspicion of illegal wealth,” the Speaker said, adding that these are facts that actually put negative allegations to rest.
Belmonte stressed that evading issues pertaining to one’s health and financial condition only makes the public doubtful about the integrity of a candidate.
“Hence, accepting the transparency challenge means that a candidate has nothing to hide nor fear because he or she is healthy and that his or her wealth or financial assets are unquestionable,” said Belmonte.
Belmonte said a candidate must be fit enough to overcome the stress resulting from the daily work challenges and activities of a president which among others involves traveling and late hours.
“So this early, all presidential candidates must be forthright enough in disclosing the true status of their health. If not, then they are doing the public a disservice. It is also doubtful that an unhealthy candidate can even withstand the rigors of the remaining weeks of the campaign.” Belmonte said.
As to a candidate’s financial disclosure, Belmonte said this is not just a must in government service but necessary in helping the public determine if a candidate has illegally enriched himself or herself especially in public office.
“We should be wary of a candidate or candidates with illegal wealth because the drive to acquire more of this could continue if the presidency is won,” Belmonte pointed out.
Belmonte also reminded the candidates, who have been government officials, to file and disclose their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) to the public as part of their commitment to transparency and in fulfillment of their constitutional duty on accountability.
“We call on our presidential candidates not to overlook this as it is the duty of everyone working in the government to disclose their assets, liabilities, business interest and financial connections as provided for in Article XI, Section 17 of the Constitution pertaining to Accountability of Public Officers,” Belmonte said.
He added that “The President stands for each and all of us and represents us even internationally. We want him healthy, untainted by corruption allegations and ideally free from vices or doubts in terms of his personal integrity. It puts mudslinging to rest and takes this campaign to a higher ground.”