Pursuing crooks

The country has several laws expressly prohibiting private companies from doing business with government agencies where the companies' officials have relatives.

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We have Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, passed way back in 1960. After the large-scale corruption during the martial law regime, policy makers found it necessary to pass in 1989 RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which prohibits such transactions within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, "including bilas, inso and balae."

Penalties under RA 6713, however, are relatively light—imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to P5,000 plus disqualification from public office—although other laws with heavier penalties may be applied depending on the offense.