Transparency, accountability should be at the heart of government —Andanar

Transparency and accountability should be consistent government policies, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Tuesday.

Andanar made the call during the blessing of the newly renovated New Executive Building in Malacañang Palace.

"A new chapter for the country is ahead of us, and as we draw nearer to this term's end, I enjoin everyone to continue to enliven the spirit of democracy beyond this administration," Andanar said.

"Let us make sure that transparency and accountability remain at the heart of all government transactions," he added.

The Palace official then cited that strengthening partnership with the media has been one of his office's best initiatives.

"Our Laging Handa crisis communication efforts which was aligned with our campaign to public safety messaging and public service announcements amid the pandemic and other challenges faced by the country, was openly disseminated by the MPC and our partner media at the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)," he said.

"Throughout the six-year term of the Duterte administration, the MPC has been part of delivering impactful information and key messages from the Palace and the President himself. You have been part of building the nation and shaping our history, expanding the access of information to every corner of the Philippines," he added.

While Andanar has cited the need for transparency and accountability, President Rodrigo Duterte has not made public his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) since 2019.

In August last year, then presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said it is to the Ombudsman to release the copy of President Duterte's SALN. 

Roque said this after Ombudsman Samuel Martires made it clear that he won't release the SALN of public officials unless these same officials agree to such. —LDF, GMA News