Gov’t execs, kin can’t be gov’t project suppliers under Senate bill

Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — A measure seeking to prohibit lawmakers or any government officials — up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity — to be a supplier to the government is set to be filed in the upper chamber.

Senate President Francis Escudero said he intends to file this measure on July 29 or July 30 as a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call against corruption, conflict of interest, as well as improper use of funds.

“We will file a measure that would prohibit to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity any lawmaker or government official to be a supplier to the government.” said Escudero.

“For me, there’s a clear conflict of interest and it should not be allowed,’ he added.

The Senate chief said he hopes that his measure would be made a priority and be included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

Senators are set to convene into an all-member caucus on Tuesday afternoon. Escudero said this would be among the things they would discuss.

“Just like what I said yesterday, let us work. Let us not be swayed by the noise of politics. That is a part of our job but let us not be distracted by the noise of politics,” he said.

Marcos, in his fourth State of the Nation Address, issued a stern warning against officials involved in corruption related to the country’s flood control projects.

“Shame on you. Be ashamed because our fellow Filipinos were swept by floods or were submerged in floodwaters. Be ashamed of our children who will inherit that debt incurred because of what you committed, because you pocketed the funds,” said Marcos in Filipino. /gsg