Senate President Win Gatchalian is pushing for the swift enactment of a measure prohibiting relatives of public officials from securing government contracts as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and combat corruption.

Gatchalian, a co-author of Senate Bill No. 1962, or the Government Contracting and Procurement Integrity Act, said the proposed law would ensure public funds are spent on programs and projects that benefit Filipinos rather than families of those in power.

The Senate recently approved the measure on third and final reading.

It prohibits relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from entering into government contracts with agencies where their relatives exercise official functions.

The measure seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and the circumvention of procurement rules, particularly in securing infrastructure projects, amid controversies surrounding flood control contracts.

It covers elected national and local officials, Cabinet secretaries, senior government officials, officers and members of government-owned and controlled corporations, and state university officials.