Manila, Sept. 2 -- If appointed Ombudsman, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he would allow access to government officials' statements of assets and liabilities (SALN) as long as it will not be used to harass them.

In a press briefing after his interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Tuesday, Remulla said SALNs should not be "weaponized" against public officials.

"I think that's the most important thing. The SALN (statement of assets and liabilities) should not be used for vilification purposes. It should not be used for blackmail. The problem here is people can be kidnapped if you reveal what is there, so we have to be careful about this information," he said.

"But it can be done if it is an investigative repor...