Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima has filed House Bill No. 6626, aiming to criminalize the illicit enrichment of government officials and employees as part of a broader effort to curb corruption.
The proposed Anti-Illicit Enrichment and Anti-Illicit Transfer Act would be incorporated into the Revised Penal Code under offenses committed by public officers.
De Lima stressed the need for tougher, more effective laws, noting that only a few have been convicted of plunder over the years.
“Isipin po ninyo: Iilan lang ang na-convict ng plunder, may isa pang na-pardon,” she said, adding that the ongoing flood control corruption scandal highlights why accountability remains difficult.
“Hindi tama at hindi makatwirang pahirapan pa ring mapanagot ang mga sangkot.”
The bill seeks to simplify the prosecution of unexplained wealth.
“Mas madali itong patunayan,” De Lima emphasized, citing lifestyle checks that reveal assets such as property, vehicles, or business holdings not reflected in a public official’s SALN.
If these cannot be explained, they may be considered illicit enrichment. Cases involving more than ₱50 million would be non-bailable, similar to plunder.
The measure also penalizes “illicit transfer,” or the conveyance of property acquired through illicit enrichment. Penalties range from six months to a maximum of 40 years, depending on the amount involved.
De Lima noted that similar laws abroad have proven effective, arguing the Philippines needs stronger tools against large-scale corruption.
“Kung nagagawang paikutan ang batas… kailangan natin itong tapatan ng mas epektibong batas,” she said.
She called for institutional reforms and tougher enforcement: “Patatagin natin ang ating mga institusyon… at bawiin ang mga nakaw na yaman.”