In a decisive move to strengthen ethics safeguards and reduce corruption in public procurement, the Senate unanimously passed on third and final reading a bill prohibiting relatives of government officials from securing state contracts.
Lawmakers voted 15-0 with no abstentions on Wednesday, September 2, to approve Senate Bill No. 1962, officially titled the “Government Contracting and Procurement Integrity Act”.
Under the proposed anti-conflict-of-interest legislation, family members within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from entering into contractual agreements with the government. The prohibition extends to immediate and extended relatives, covering spouses, children, parents, siblings, first cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
The coverage encompasses contracts involving elected officials, Cabinet members, undersecretaries, and leadership boards of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) as well as state universities and colleges (SUCs).
State workers and officials directly participating in procurement activities are similarly barred.
The measure aims to close systemic loopholes, prevent nepotism, and promote transparency by barring public servants’ family members from benefiting financially from public deals.
With its approval in the upper chamber, Senate Bill No. 1962 now advances for reconciliation with its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives before being transmitted for presidential signature.