May: the month of patrimonial truth for bureaucrats
The deadline is approaching and public officials at all levels have until May 31 to submit their asset declaration. Yes, the same one that promises transparency every year but that many try to avoid as if it were a traffic ticket.
The declaration of assets and interests is mandatory for all public servants in Mexico, from operational personnel to senior management. The official objective: to make the evolution of its assets transparent and prevent conflicts of interest. The real objective: so that we know if someone is making an extra profit while working for the people.
There are three types of declaration: the initial one (60 days after entering the position), the modification one (every May) and the conclusion one (when leaving the position). It all sounds very nice on paper, but history has taught us that the devil is in the details—and the omissions.
What happens if they don’t present it? The authorities warn that they can initiate an investigation, formally require the official and, if non-compliance persists, apply sanctions ranging from removal from office to temporary disqualification. But let’s be honest: how many times have we seen these sanctions applied to the fullest extent of the law? The historical memory of similar scandals makes me doubt.
For the process, officials need CURP, RFC, proof of address, resume, payroll receipts or tax returns, and data on properties, vehicles, bank accounts, credits and debts. Basically, your financial life on a digital platform called DeclaraNet.
The declaration corresponding to 2026 must be submitted from May 1 to May 31 through that system. The authorities recommend doing it in advance to avoid setbacks and penalties. I recommend that, as citizens, we be attentive to who does not comply—because if someone does not want to show their assets, perhaps they have something to hide.
