Bill imposing sanctions on ‘congtractors’ filed

Members of the National Unity Party (NUP) in the House of Representatives on Monday filed a bill imposing sanctions on so-called “congtractors” — a slang term referring to congressmen who are also government contractors.

House Bill 7917 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, to prohibit congtractors from participating in any stage of government procurement.

The proposed prohibition also covers lawmakers' relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, nominees, agents, and beneficial owners.

The measure provides for automatic disqualification, cancellation of awards, forfeiture of bid security, contract termination, blacklisting, and the filing of administrative, civil, and criminal cases in cases of misrepresentation or circumvention.

“This is a top legislative priority for our party. The objective is clear: to categorically prohibit all public officials, appointive or elective, from participating in government procurement,” House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Second District Representative Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno, NUP chairman, said in a statement issued Tuesday.

He said the proposed measure aims to remove any gray areas in existing rules and impose a clear-cut ban on public officials engaging in government contracts.

“For years, we have relied on general provisions and penalties after the fact. There must be no doubt. No ambiguity. No room for creative interpretation. If you are a public official, you cannot be a contractor. Period,” Puno said.

Also on Monday, the Puno-led NUP also filed a House resolution seeking to amend the House Rules to classify financial interests in government contracts as “disorderly behavior,” which could merit expulsion from Congress, subject to the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds vote of all House members.

“We are serious about this reform. In fact, we are not waiting for a law to pass," Puno said.

He said the party is pushing for immediate internal reforms in the chamber, saying changes to the House Rules should leave no room for lawmakers with government contract interests to remain in office.

"We are calling for an amendment of the House Rules now to make it unmistakably clear that any direct or indirect financial interest in government contracts is grounds for expulsion,” Puno said.

The NUP is currently the second-largest political party in the House of Representatives, with at least 43 members.

In November 2025, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said at least 10 percent of the 318-member House are under investigation for possible liability and conflict of interest in the flood control controversy.

As of February 2026, no cases have been filed against any alleged "congtractor."—MCG, GMA Integrated News