Chiz pushes ban on officials, kin as gov't contractors

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Tuesday said he is set to file a measure prohibiting lawmakers and government officials, including their relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity, from becoming contractors to the government.

Escudero said the proposed bill, which he plans to file on 29 or 30 July, is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent call to combat corruption, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure the proper use of public funds.

“Pinapa-draft ko na ngayon at inaasahan namin maifa-file namin ‘yan kung hindi mamaya ay bukas dahil simpleng panukala lang naman ‘yon (I’m having it drafted now and we expect to file it either later today or tomorrow since it's just a simple proposal),” he said. 

Escudero believes there is a clear conflict of interest in such an action, and it should not be permitted.

He expressed hope that the proposed bill would be identified as a priority measure and included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) agenda. 

Senators convened for an all-member caucus Tuesday afternoon, where the measure will be discussed.

“Isa ‘yon sa ihihiling ko na maging priority measure at masama sa LEDAC (That’s one of the things I will request to be a priority measure and be included in the LEDAC agenda,” Escudero said.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos issued a stern warning against government officials allegedly involved in corruption, particularly in flood control projects.

“Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha. Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo, na binulsa n’yo lang ang pera (Be ashamed of our fellow Filipinos were swept away by floods or submerged in floodwaters. Be ashamed of our children, who will inherit the debt caused by your actions because you pocketed public funds),” Marcos said.