Senators file measures to strengthen anti-corruption reforms

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Tulfo said Thursday that he filed Senate Bill 1359, which proposes to increase the jail time for graft and corruption cases from the current six to 15 years to 12 to 30 years, saying betrayal of public trust must carry severe consequences. (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senators Erwin Tulfo and Loren Legarda have filed separate but complementary measures seeking to strengthen the government’s fight against corruption through stiffer penalties and preventive, systems-based reforms.

Tulfo said Thursday that he filed Senate Bill 1359, which proposes to increase the jail time for graft and corruption cases from the current six to 15 years to 12 to 30 years, saying betrayal of public trust must carry severe consequences.

He also pushed for amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act to allow courts and investigating bodies to scrutinize bank transactions of public officials, and for a Freedom of Information (FOI) law that mandates the online publication of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) and contracts worth at least PHP50 million.

“By increasing the penalties, we are sending a clear message that betrayal of public trust has severe consequences,” Tulfo said, adding that access to accurate information empowers Filipinos to hold leaders accountable.

Legarda, meanwhile, underscored the urgency of addressing corruption at its roots as she filed the Tapat na Paglilingkod Act.

She described it as a “game changer” because it institutionalizes preventive measures, requires agencies to map corruption risks, and embeds safeguards to stop abuses before they happen.

“Rarely do we attempt to nip the problem in the bud or strike at its very core. This measure goes further by embedding strategies that will really combat it. That is how we shift the culture of governance,” Legarda said.

Both senators also linked their proposed reforms to recent controversies, particularly anomalies in flood control projects and the misuse of public funds.

Tulfo filed a bill imposing stiffer penalties on contractors and colluding officials, while Legarda warned that the system itself must be dismantled if meaningful change is to be achieved.