QC dad wants contractors to disclose corruption cases

MANILA, Philippines - A Quezon City councilor has filed a proposed ordinance that will compel contractors doing business or building projects in the city to disclose if they are involved in pending corruption, environmental or human rights cases.

In a proposed measure, third district Councilor Allan Benedict Reyes said requiring contractors to disclose pending cases will help in enhancing the protection and safety that the city provides for its constituents.

He said the proposal came amid reports of housing scam involving Pag-IBIG Fund loans and the series of accidents involving public utility buses in the previous months.

“Section 27, Article II of the Philippine Constitution provides that the State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption,” he said.

Once approved, the measure will require all contractors and corporations seeking to do business or building projects in the city to disclose if any of its officers or the company is facing pending corruption, environmental, or human rights cases in connection with their businesses.

Contractors with ongoing projects will also be required to declare if they are involved in similar cases, with a provision requiring them to settle or disclose the violations within three months upon the approval of the measure.

Those who fail to do so may face possible cancellation of their business permits or location clearance.

The proposal has yet to be tackled by the city council, which is currently on break.