IN a move to strengthen ethical governance and eliminate conflict of interest in public service, a lawmaker has filed a bill barring public officers and their relatives, and affiliated businesses from government contracts.
Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale B. Corvera has filed House Bill 5222, titled ‘An Act Prohibiting Public Officers and Their Relatives from Entering into Government Contracts and Providing Penalties Therefor.’
The measure seeks to categorically prohibit public officers, their relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, and business entities where they hold substantial shares or beneficial interests from entering into contracts with the government.
Corvera emphasized that the bill also covers individuals or entities granted licenses, franchises, permits, accreditations, or similar privileges by the government-prohibiting them from allowing any public officer, their relatives, or affiliated enterprises to exploit such privileges for personal or business gain.
‘This bill is about restoring public trust and ensuring that government transactions are free from undue influence and self-dealing,’ Corvera said. ‘It draws a clear line between public duty and private interest.’
Under the measure, violators will face imprisonment of one to 10 years and a fine equivalent to 50 percent of the total value of the government transaction, contract, or deal. Convicted individuals will also be perpetually barred from holding any public office.
‘This proposed law sends a clear message: public service is a calling, not a business opportunity,’ Corvera added. ‘By barring public officers and their close relatives from profiting through government contracts, this measure ensures that those who serve do so with integrity-not for personal gain.’
Corvera cited the constitutional principle that ‘a public office is a public trust,’ emphasizing that public officials and employees must embody integrity, accountability, and transparency in the performance of their duties.
The measure comes amid mounting public outrage over alleged corruption and irregularities in infrastructure projects across the country. In recent months, flood control and drainage programs in several provinces-particularly in Central Luzon-have come under scrutiny following reports of substandard works, ghost projects, and questionable bidding practices allegedly involving individuals linked to public officials.
President Marcos condemned these irregularities, revealing that nearly P100 billion worth of flood control projects-around 20 percent of the total-had been awarded to only 15 contractors.
The President described the situation as ‘shameful’ and subsequently created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) under Executive Order 94 to investigate these anomalies and hold those involved accountable.
Corvera said these developments highlight the urgency of his measure.
While existing laws-such as Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), Republic Act 3815 (Revised Penal Code), and Republic Act 12009 (New Government Procurement Act)-contain provisions on conflict of interest and disclosure, Corvera noted that these remain insufficient deterrents against unscrupulous practices.
‘Current mechanisms rely too heavily on self-declaration and after-the-fact accountability, creating loopholes that allow public officers to benefit indirectly through relatives, business partners, or proxies,’ he said. ‘By the time violations are discovered, public funds have already been spent, making recovery and accountability difficult.’
House Bill 5222 aims to close these gaps by clearly and directly prohibiting public officers and any person connected to them by marriage, blood, or business interest from directly or indirectly participating in any government contract or procurement activity.
The bill adopts the definition of ‘public officer’ under the Revised Penal Code-covering all elective and appointive officials, whether permanent, temporary, classified, or unclassified, who receive compensation, even nominal, from the government.
If enacted, the measure will serve as a strong deterrent against corruption and reinforce the principle that government service must be driven by public interest, not private profit.