MANILA — House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno, along with members of the National Unity Party (NUP), filed House Bill (HB) No. 7917 seeking to prohibit public officials from participating in government procurement.

The measure, titled “Act Amending Republic Act No. 12009, otherwise known as the ‘New Government Procurement Act,’” aims to add a new section on the “prohibition on public officials’ participation.”

Under the proposed provision, any elective or appointive public official, their relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, as well as nominees, agents, assignees, or persons acting on their behalf, would be barred from participating in any stage of government procurement.

The prohibition also extends to companies, corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, or other business entities that are owned, controlled, or operated by such officials or their relatives, or in which they hold any ownership interest, management, or policy-making position.

The authors of HB No. 7917 cited weaknesses in the current procurement framework despite existing safeguards. Investigations into so-called “ghost projects” have implicated some members of Congress in substandard or nonexistent projects, anomalous procurement activities, and alleged kickbacks. Senate inquiries and independent probes reportedly uncovered schemes linking lawmakers to construction firms owned or controlled by relatives, associates, or nominees.

The bill notes that lawmakers’ influence over national appropriations, project listings, oversight hearings, and agency priorities can exacerbate conflicts of interest when private financial interests coincide with public projects.

HB No. 7917 seeks to close these loopholes by explicitly banning public officials and their relatives from holding any direct or indirect financial or beneficial interest in government procurement contracts, including infrastructure and public works projects.

“The immediate passage of this bill amending the New Government Procurement Act is earnestly sought, in order to protect public funds, restore confidence in the procurement system, and faithfully uphold the constitutional principle that public office is a trust for the people,” the measure’s authors said.