Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero will file a bill seeking to ban government officials’ relatives—up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity and affinity—from serving as one of the government’s contractors and suppliers.

In a press conference on Tuesday, July 29, Escudero announced that he will file a bill prohibiting the relatives of government officials from serving as suppliers and contractors, in relation to corruption, conflict of interest, and the misuse of funds.

The announcement comes after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the growing problem during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“Kaugnay sa pagpalakpak doon. Matagal nang problema ang bagay na ‘yan. At bilang katugunan sa panawagan ng Pangulo kaugnay sa corruption, conflict of interest, at hindi tamang paggamit ng pondo, maghahain kami ng panukalang batas na layunin ipagbawal up to the fourth civil degree consanguinity and afinity ang sino mang mababatas o opisyal ng pamahalaan—nasyunal man o lokal—na maging kontraktor o supplier sa pamahalaan,” he explained.

Under the said bill, government officials’ relatives, up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity—whether national or local—are prohibited from serving as government contractors and suppliers.

According to Escudero, he was made aware of the names of the lawmakers involved in the said practice, but its exact number remains unclear.

They are in the process of drafting and finalizing the bill and are aiming to file it later today or on Wednesday.

When asked whether this would be included in the priority bills, Escudero agreed in response, adding that they intend to include it in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) measures.

Escudero reminded the public that they will not be swayed or distracted by the political noise.

“Pag-uusapan namin mamaya ang priority measures ng kada senador para ilalaban natin ‘yan sa panig ng majority, minority, o sino pa man na maging parte at bahagi ng LEDAC o priority bills, hindi lang ng pamahalaan, kundi ng Kongreso din,” he said.