Senate Targets Conflict of Interest in Government Contracts
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero filed a new bill on Monday aiming to disqualify public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from entering into government contracts. This bold measure seeks to strengthen safeguards and curb corruption in procurement processes.
Escudero expressed confidence that Senate Bill No. 783 will sharpen the country’s procurement safeguards and combat graft more effectively. “This bill is a response to persistent irregularities and corruption in government contracts,” the senator explained.
“Despite existing safeguards, undue influence continues to undermine fairness and impartiality. By extending disqualification to a broader circle of relatives, we aim to restore public trust and ensure that procurement processes are truly merit-based,” he added.
Legislative Push for Transparency and Integrity
The Senate leader hopes the measure will be considered by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for inclusion in the 20th Congress’ Common Legislative Agenda under the Marcos administration. He described SB 783 as a strategic step toward building institutional resilience and systemic reform.
Escudero also highlighted that the bill responds directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call during his recent State of the Nation Address to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen integrity in public transactions. “This measure affirms our shared commitment to the President’s call for clean governance. It’s time we close the gaps that allow undue influence to persist in public contracts,” he said.
Expanding the Scope for Effective Reform
Building on the landmark Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act, SB 783 aims to further insulate government contracts from improper influence. The bill covers transactions involving supplies, infrastructure projects, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships, except for those classified as highly technical, proprietary, or confidential.
Escudero clarified the definition of “public official” in the bill to include individuals in policy-making, supervisory, or managerial roles—whether in career or non-career service—and extends to military and uniformed personnel.
Joint Implementation and Enforcement
The bill mandates the Government Procurement Policy Board, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Governance Commission for GOCCs to collaborate and issue implementing rules within 60 days of the law’s effectivity.
Local leaders noted that this coordinated approach would ensure swift and effective enforcement, reinforcing transparency and fairness in government procurement.
For more news and updates on government procurement reforms, visit Filipinokami.com.
