Escudero to lead Senate hearings on bill banning officials’ kin from gov’t contracts

Francis “Chiz” Escudero will head Senate deliberations on a priority bill seeking to bar relatives of public officials from entering into government contracts after being designated chairperson of a newly formed subcommittee under the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation.

The Senate approved Escudero’s appointment during plenary last Monday after Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that the move was requested by Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, chair of the mother committee. Senate Bill No. 783 was subsequently referred to Escudero’s panel, highlighting its role in strengthening transparency and accountability in public procurement.

Escudero, the principal author of SB 783, has long pushed for reforms that would disqualify public officials and their relatives up to the fourth civil degree from participating in government projects. The measure, co-authored by Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Joel Villanueva, remains pending in the Senate.

Filed on August 4, 2025, the bill aims to tighten procurement safeguards and address loopholes that could enable undue influence in public transactions. Escudero said the proposal is key to rebuilding public confidence and ensuring fair and transparent use of government funds.

“This subcommittee will ensure that integrity in public service is not only discussed but institutionalized,” Escudero said, noting that disqualifying relatives of officials from contracts would help curb corruption and strengthen procurement systems.

The creation of the subcommittee also reflects the Senate’s push to advance anti-corruption initiatives in line with the administration of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which has called for eliminating undue influence in government dealings.

Escudero assured the public that upcoming hearings will be transparent and inclusive, with the goal of producing clear recommendations that promote accountability and honest governance.