Senate Approves Bill Banning Relatives of Public Officials from Government Contracts

The Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to bar relatives of public officials up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from entering into government contracts. With 15 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and zero abstentions, the upper chamber approved Senate Bill No. 1962, authored by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, during its plenary session. Under the measure, relatives of any covered public official or personnel within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity would be barred from participating in or entering into any government contract, as well as from engaging in subcontracting, consortiums, joint ventures or similar business arrangements for the performance of a government contract. The prohibition covers relatives by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree, including parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and first cousins. It would apply to contracts between private entities and government agencies or instrumentalities involving supplies, materials, machinery, equipment and services, as well as infrastructure, joint venture and public-private partnership projects and other similar agreements. The bill also provides that violators may face imprisonment of one to three years, a fine of at least P100,000 and perpetual disqualification from participating in or entering into any government procurement activity. Public officials or personnel who violate the proposed law may likewise face imprisonment of one to three years, a fine of at least P100,000 and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The bill aims to enhance government transparency and accountability by eliminating conflicts of interest that could foster nepotism and corruption. Past instances of relatives of public officials allegedly profiting unfairly from projects involving public funds have been noted in the Philippines, making this legislative measure a significant step in addressing such issues. Source: GMA News Philippines