BUSINESS GROUPS BEG GOVERNMENT: “PLEASE CHECK IF OUR OFFICIALS ARE THIEVES”

A Sarcastic Autopsy of the Mandatory Lifestyle Checks Circus

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — December 1, 2025

1. Yes, We Now Need CEOs to Remind the Republic That Stealing Is Frowned Upon

The Makati Business Club, FINEX, MAP and the rest of the silk-tie brigade just held the most depressing press conference of the year. Their earth-shattering demand? That the government finally verify if its own officials are looting the treasury (Philippine Star, 28 Nov 2025).

**Philippine justice: same-day delivery for pizza, 3.5 decades for forfeiture papers.**

2. The “For” Argument So Obvious It Hurts

Digital footprints exist. A Grade 10 student with Wi-Fi can already prove half of Congress is lying on their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

3. The “Against” Argument That Will Actually Win (Spoiler: Weaponization Whining in 3… 2…)

Expect tearful privilege speeches about “privacy” from gentlemen who think due process is what happens when you pay the judge on time.

4. How Lifestyle Checks Would Work in a Country That Isn’t Run by Clowns

In a normal republic you just link the Land Registration Authority (LRA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and let the computers scream.

5. The Legal Arsenal We Already Have (And Stubbornly Refuse to Use)

We don’t need new laws. We need a spine.

Republic Act No. 6713 – Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees → demands “modest lives” and truthful SALNs.
Republic Act No. 3019 – Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act → unexplained wealth is already prima facie evidence of graft.
Republic Act No. 1379 – Forfeiture of Unlawfully Acquired Property → assets “manifestly out of proportion” to salary are presumed ill-gotten (the Supreme Court reminded everyone again last week).
Republic Act No. 6770 – The Ombudsman Act of 1989 → gives the Ombudsman teeth most Ombudsmen pretend are baby teeth.
Article XI, 1987 Constitution → “Public office is a public trust.” Longest-running stand-up routine in Philippine history.

6. Barok’s Four Non-Negotiable Demands (Do Them or I Sue Everyone)

Permanent Lifestyle Audit Unit inside the Office of the Ombudsman with a public dashboard.
Law mandating real-time data-sharing among LRA, LTO, BIR, SEC, and Ombudsman.
Independent Oversight Board (civil society + retired justices + National Privacy Commission).
Annual “Wall of Shame” report naming every obstructing agency head — with photos.