Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero announced plans to introduce a bill that would bar public officials and their relatives, up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, from participating in government contracts as contractors or suppliers. The initiative comes as a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent State of the Nation Address, where he emphasized the need to eradicate corruption, address conflicts of interest, and prevent the misuse of public funds in governmental transactions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero emphasized that such involvement of officials and their families in government contracts presents a clear conflict of interest. "To me, it's a clear conflict of interest and should not be allowed without cost to the official's position," he remarked during a press briefing. Escudero revealed that the proposed legislation is currently being drafted and is expected to be filed imminently, with discussions about its prioritization within the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Escudero further elaborated on his intentions to prioritize this measure in legislative discussions, stating, "That's one of the priority measures I will propose. it will be the main item in our caucus later." This move highlights Escudero's commitment to aligning with the President's vision for enhancing integrity and transparency in public service.

In addition to supporting the President's anti-corruption stance, Escudero commended the delivery of the State of the Nation Address, noting its near-complete presentation in the Filipino language. "What I truly appreciated is that 99.9 percent of his speech was delivered in our own language," Escudero stated, expressing approval of the cultural resonance of the address. He also acknowledged the President's transparency regarding the administration's challenges over the past three years, describing it as a critical step towards achieving substantial reform.