Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed 10 measures to strengthen the government’s fight against corruption, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in public service.
At the center of Tulfo’s reform agenda is Senate Bill 1359 which seeks to increase the jail time for graft and corruption from the current 6-15 years to 12-30 years.
“Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives,” the legislator said.
“By increasing the penalties, we are sending a clear message that betrayal of public trust has severe consequences,” the lawmaker said.
Another law that the senator sought to amend is the Bank Secrecy Act by authorizing a competent court or any investigating body to scrutinize the bank transactions made by public officials.
Tulfo also filed his version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to boost transparency in the bureaucracy and provide better access to government documents.
Under SB 1361, he wants the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of all national officials and contracts worth at least P50 million, among others, to be published online without request.
“An informed citizenry is vital to democracy.”
“An informed citizenry is vital to democracy. Access to accurate and reliable information empowers Filipinos to participate in governance and hold officials accountable,” Tulfo said.
In line with this, he has formally requested to be a co-author of the bill filed by Senate President Tito Sotto, proposing the creation of the Independent People’s Commission, which will investigate anomalies in all government projects.
Amid the ongoing investigation into the multi-billion-peso anomalous flood control programs, Tulfo filed a bill that will increase the penalties for contractors, subcontractors – including the colluding government officials – who violate public works contracts, and the revocation of their licenses.
To ensure that no one will escape accountability, he also filed Senate Bill 1362 which will regulate the foreign travels of government officials and employees who are subject to pending investigations, preliminary inquiries, fact-finding proceedings, or audits.
When enacted into law, violators will face dismissal from service, perpetual disqualification from government service, six to 12 years imprisonment, and/or a P500,000 to P2 million fine.
Proposing a permanent solution to the problem of misappropriation of public funds for infrastructure projects, Tulfo is pushing for Senate Bill 1360 which will mandate the formulation of a 30-year comprehensive infrastructure development masterplan and the creation of the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Council.
“We need a framework that transcends political timelines.”
“The lack of continuity in our infrastructure plans has caused delays, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. We need a framework that transcends political timelines,” he said.
Complementing SB 1360, Tulfo filed Senate Bill 1358 or the Budget Modernization Bill, which seeks to reform the budget process by enforcing greater accountability in public financial management, promoting fiscal sustainability, and increasing transparency and public participation.
The filing of SB 1358 came amid controversies surrounding the 2025 General Appropriations Act which Tulfo attributed to the fragmented and inefficient budget process.
Another issue Tulfo sought to address is the Commission on Elections’ dependence on local government units for its field offices, which he said could expose the poll commission to “subtle but dangerous forms of political influence” that might erode public trust in the electoral process.
Lastly, Tulfo filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the alleged inefficiencies in the implementation of Republic Act No. 11302 or the Ease of Doing Business Act, after foreign investors have consistently cited difficulties in transacting with government agencies.
“By pushing for these reforms, we are laying out a stronger defense against corruption, safeguarding our coffers, and ensuring that the government will render genuine public service. The fight does not end in filing these measures, we will shepherd these and ensure that these will be implemented properly,” he concluded.
