MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed 10 measures aimed at strengthening the government’s campaign against corruption, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in public service.

At the center of his legislative agenda is Senate Bill 1359, which seeks to raise the penalties for graft and corruption from the current six to 15 years to 12 to 30 years in prison.

“Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives,” Tulfo said. “By increasing the penalties, we are sending a clear message that betrayal of public trust has severe consequences.”

Tulfo also filed a measure to amend the Bank Secrecy Act to allow a competent court or investigating body to examine the bank transactions of public officials.

To promote transparency, the senator filed his version of the Freedom of Information Bill, requiring the publication online of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of all national officials and contracts worth at least PHP50 million, among others.

“An informed citizenry is vital to democracy. Access to accurate and reliable information empowers Filipinos to participate in governance and hold officials accountable,” he said.

He has also requested to be a co-author of a measure filed by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III seeking the creation of the Independent People’s Commission, which would investigate anomalies in government projects.

Amid investigations into alleged irregular flood control programs, Tulfo filed a bill to impose stiffer penalties on contractors, subcontractors, and colluding government officials who violate public works contracts, including revocation of licenses.

Tulfo also filed Senate Bill 1362, which seeks to regulate the foreign travels of government officials and employees who are subjects of pending investigations, preliminary inquiries, or audits. Violators would face dismissal, perpetual disqualification from government service, imprisonment of six to 12 years, and fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP2 million.

To address mismanagement of infrastructure spending, Tulfo filed Senate Bill 1360 mandating a 30-year comprehensive infrastructure development masterplan under a proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Council.

“The lack of continuity in our infrastructure plans has caused delays, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. We need a framework that transcends political timelines,” Tulfo said.

Complementing this proposal, Tulfo also filed Senate Bill 1358 or the Budget Modernization Bill, which seeks to reform the budget process to enforce greater accountability, promote fiscal sustainability, and strengthen public participation. He said the measure was prompted by controversies over the 2025 General Appropriations Act, which he attributed to a fragmented and inefficient system.

The senator likewise sought to reduce the Commission on Elections’ reliance on local government units for field offices, warning that such dependence exposes the poll body to “subtle but dangerous forms of political influence” that may erode public trust.

Finally, Tulfo filed a resolution calling for an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11302 or the Ease of Doing Business Act, citing persistent complaints from foreign investors about government red tape.

“By pushing for these reforms, we are laying out a stronger defense against corruption, safeguarding our coffers, and ensuring that the government will render genuine public service. The fight does not end in filing these measures, we will shepherd these and ensure that these will be implemented properly,” Tulfo said.