Escudero filed Bill against Graft and Corruption

-Gillian Paul Abayon

On Monday, Senate President Francis Escudero filed a bill that seeks to disqualify relatives of public officials up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity from entering into government contracts in a bid to fight graft and corruption.

The Senate Bill No. 783 is a response to the calls of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to eliminate conflicts of interest and reinforce integrity in public transactions to fight corruption.

“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”. Senate President Escudero said.

He added that the bill aims “to eliminate potential avenues for corruption, and uphold fairness, transparency, impartiality, and accountability in the procurement process and the utilization of public funds.” And it also 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 jointly promulgate implementing rules within 60 days of its effectivity.

The bill has been referred to the appropriate committee for deliberation.

In his fourth SONA, PBBM has said that those government officials who steal public funds, such as those for flood control projects, should be ashamed for the suffering they caused.

The President tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways with submitting a list of flood control projects in the last three years.

The President vowed that those who are involved in corruption will be charged and held liable even if they were his allies.