Senate to start hearings on proposal to ban officials' relatives from getting government contracts

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is set to lead Senate hearings on a priority measure seeking to bar relatives of public officials from engaging in government contracts.

This is after he is appointed chairperson of a newly formed subcommittee under the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation.

The Senate confirmed Escudero’s designation during a recent plenary session after Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri revealed that the appointment was made upon the request of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, chair of the parent committee. The chamber subsequently referred Senate Bill No. 783 to Escudero’s subcommittee, highlighting its importance in strengthening transparency and accountability in public procurement.

Escudero, the principal author of SB 783, has long pushed for reforms that would prohibit public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from taking part in government contracts. The measure, which is co-authored by Senators Bong Go and Joel Villanueva, remains pending.

Upon filing the bill on August 4, 2025, Escudero said the proposed ban would “boost procurement safeguards” and address loopholes that enable undue influence in public transactions. He added that such reforms are essential to restoring public trust and ensuring fair and transparent use of public funds.

“This subcommittee will ensure that integrity in public service is not only discussed but institutionalized,” Escudero said.

“By disqualifying relatives of officials from government contracts, we close the loopholes that allow undue influence and strengthen the country’s procurement safeguards as part of our continuing efforts to fight graft and corruption,” he added.

The establishment of the subcommittee underscores the Senate’s commitment to prioritizing anti-corruption measures, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s call to eliminate undue influence in public transactions. With Escudero at the helm, the panel is expected to expedite hearings and consolidate legislative proposals aimed at shielding government procurement from familial and political interference.

“Makakaasa ang taumbayan na ang mga pulong na ating pangungunahan ay mananatiling transparent at bukas sa pagdinig ng bawa’t panig upang matiyak na ang resulta ng mga public hearings na ito ay malinaw, at tunay na nagsusulong ng tapat na pamahalaan,” he concluded.