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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero proposes banning public officials, kin from gov't projects to boost transparency in procurement

Escudero proposes banning public officials, kin from gov't projects to boost transparency in procurement

Published Aug 4, 2025 12:48 pm

At A Glance

  • The bill seeks to strengthen Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act, SB 783 which aims to further insulate government contracts from undue influence.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero on Monday, August 4 filed a bill seeking to disqualify public officials and their relatives, up to fourth civil degree, from entering into government contracts.
In filing Senate Bill No. 783, Escudero said he is confident this will sharpen the country’s procurement safeguards as part of the continuing efforts to fight graft and corruption.
“This measure affirms our shared commitment to the President’s call for clean governance.," said Escudero, referring to President Marcos' speech during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
"It’s time we close the gaps that allow undue influence to persist in public contracts,” he further said.
The bill seeks to strengthen Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act, SB 783 which aims to further insulate government contracts from undue influence.
It applies to transactions involving supplies, infrastructure, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships, except those deemed highly technical, proprietary, or confidential.
“This bill is a response to persistent irregularities and corruption in government contracts,” the Senate leader said in the explanatory note.
"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," the Senate leader explained.
SB No. 783 also seeks to clarify the scope of “public official,” encompassing those in policy-determining, supervisory, or managerial roles—whether in career or non-career service—and including military and uniformed personnel.
Furthermore, it mandates the Government Procurement Policy Board GPPB), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Governance Commission for GOCCs to jointly promulgate implementing rules within 60 days of its effectivity.
Escudero said he hopes his bill will be considered by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for inclusion in the Common Legislative Agenda of the 20th Congress by the Marcos administration.
“SB 783 marks a strategic step in our broader push for institutional resilience, transparency, and systemic reform,” Escudero reiterated.

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Chiz Escudero Marcos administration national budget
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