The Integrity of Process

Ethical leadership is not performative. It is not about grand gestures of transparency designed for applause. Ethical leadership, in the mold of "Maasahan at Masipag," is about the firm, reliable, and often quiet commitment to process.

President Marcos’s position on his SALN is a case study in this principled governance. His willingness to release it, subject only to the lawful procedures of the Ombudsman, is not an evasion. It is the very definition of integrity.

This is the "Reliable Integrity" the public service needs. It is a message that the rules apply, they are fair, and they will be followed. The alternative is a politicized circus.

Those who demand the President unilaterally release his SALN are effectively arguing that all laws on data privacy and due process should be thrown out the window for political theater. This is an untenable and childish approach to governance.

Instead, the President is leading by example, reinforcing that the SALN is a serious tool for the Ombudsman to use, not a toy for political rivals. This adherence to lawful, non-politicized accountability is the clear direction that modern, effective governments are taking worldwide. The entire Cabinet's compliance solidifies this new, mature, and ethical discipline. This is how public trust is genuinely rebuilt—not by bending to the loudest shout, but by a tireless commitment to the integrity of process.