Senator Erwin Tulfo is pushing for a new measure that seeks to make the so-called “license for rent” scheme a criminal offense — a practice recently exposed during Senate hearings on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Under the proposed “License Integrity Act,” the lending, renting, or fraudulent use of government-issued licenses will be punishable by imprisonment of not less than three (3) years but not more than twelve (12) years, and/or a fine of not less than ₱300,000 but not more than ₱3 million.
The measure will cover licenses issued not only to contractors under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but also to customs brokers at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and environmental license holders under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Ang mga pribilehiyong ito ay madalas na naaabuso. Lumitaw ang nakakabahalang gawain kung saan ang mga pinagkalooban ay nagpapahiram, nagpapaupa, nagbebenta, o kung hindi man ay nagpapahintulot sa mga third parties na ilegal na gamitin ang kanilang mga lisensya, habang ang iba ay mapanlinlang na kumukuha o nagpapakilala upang ikubli ang mga labag sa batas na transaksyon,” Tulfo said.
The proposed law will also impose administrative and criminal penalties on government officials who issue licenses to unqualified applicants or those with conflicts of interest.
“Ito ay nagpapatunay na ang mga lisensya at permit ay dapat manataling personal at hindi maililipat ang mga pribilehiyo nito sa iba na di naman kwalipikado,” the senator added.
According to Tulfo, the ultimate goal of the bill is to restore integrity in the country’s licensing and permitting systems, strengthen accountability, prevent abuse and corruption, and ensure that government-granted privileges serve only their legitimate purpose.
Tulfo currently serves as the Acting Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating alleged anomalies in flood control projects. He assumed the position following the resignation of Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as committee chair.