MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero filed a bill disqualifying public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from entering into government contracts, saying it would strengthen the country’s procurement safeguards and bolster efforts against corruption.

Senate Bill No. 783, filed on August 4, aims to further insulate government transactions from undue influence and irregularities, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent call to eliminate conflicts of interest in public contracts.

“This measure affirms our shared commitment to the President’s call for clean governance. It’s time we close the gaps that allow undue influence to persist in public contracts,” Escudero said.

The proposed bill builds on Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act. It covers procurement deals involving supplies, infrastructure, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships, except for those classified as highly technical, proprietary, or confidential.

“This bill is a response to persistent irregularities and corruption in government contracts,” Escudero said in the measure’s explanatory note. “Despite existing safeguards, undue influence continues to undermine fairness and impartiality. By extending disqualification to a broader circle of relatives, we aim to restore public trust and ensure that procurement processes are truly merit-based.”

The measure clarifies the definition of “public official” to include individuals in policy-determining, supervisory, or managerial roles, whether in the career or non-career service, as well as military and uniformed personnel.

The bill also requires the Government Procurement Policy Board, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Governance Commission for GOCCs to jointly issue implementing rules within 60 days from its effectivity.

SB 783 will be referred to the appropriate Senate committee for deliberation.

“SB 783 marks a strategic step in our broader push for institutional resilience, transparency, and systemic reform,” Escudero said.