THE proposal of a neophyte congressman to exempt public officials and employees from absolute confidentiality of bank deposits is a laudable move that should be in the high priority for legislation. That is in an ideal situation when we have enough lawmakers who are committed to genuine public service.

The intent of House Bill 4060, authored by Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos 'Arjo' Atayde, is not new. The late Rep. Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental had sponsored similar measures during his stint at the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007. Former senator Panfilo Lacson did the same thing in the previous congresses.