Senate clears anti-nepotism contract bill

THE Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill that would bar relatives of public officials within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from participating in government contracts and projects.

Fifteen senators voted to pass Senate Bill No. 1962, or the proposed Government Contracting and Procurement Integrity Act, which seeks to prevent conflicts of interest in government procurement.

“To eliminate potential avenues for corruption and uphold fairness, integrity, transparency, impartiality and accountability in the procurement process and the utilization of public funds, the state shall mitigate possible conflicts of interest from familial relationships between public officials and private entities participating in or entering into government contracts,” according to a copy of the bill.

The measure, which is included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s common legislative agenda, will prohibit relatives of public officials from participating in government contracts, subcontracting arrangements, consortiums, joint ventures and similar business agreements.

Under the bill, private entities found violating the law could face imprisonment of one to three years, a fine of at least P100,000 and perpetual disqualification from participating in government procurement.

Public officials who aid or abet disqualified entities would face the same penalties.

The measure exempts public officials and government personnel who have no participation in the procurement process, contract award, implementation or execution.

“This provision shall not apply to public officials and personnel with no participation or involvement whatsoever in the procurement process, award of contract, or contract execution or implementation,” according to the bill.

The measure now moves forward in the legislative process as part of efforts to boost safeguards against corruption and increase accountability in the use of public funds. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel