Q: Was there a non-inclusion of asset in his SALN?
Y: Yes.
Q: Does it warrant a violation?
Y: Yes, only if there is NO other law which will support the non-inclusion.
Q: Is there another law stating the need to debar the disclosure of some assets?
Y: Yes, the FCDU Law which states absolute confidentiality. (RA 6426)
Q: Which should prevail over the FCDU and the SALN Law?
Y: It must be decided by a competent court, the SC i think or by amending the FCDU law to align with the SALN Law.
On the issue as to what should prevail between the absolute confidentiality of FCDU and the SALN law is beyond the power of IC. So that the CJ should be given a benefit of the doubt and be given the presumption that he is in good faith in preparing his SALN.
Thus,the remaining question is this
"should we impeach the CJ based on his interpretation in preparing his SALN?"