Senate President Escudero backs Marcos' call for lifestyle checks on public officials

Senate President Francis Escudero expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to conduct lifestyle checks on public officials amid investigations into questionable flood control projects.

Escudero cited Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution and Sections 8 of Republic Act 3019, emphasizing that public office is a public trust and prohibiting extravagant displays of wealth by public servants.

He urged the administration to consider his legislative proposals, including Senate Bills No. 232 and No. 783, aimed at reinforcing anti-corruption measures.

Senate Bill No. 232 would require government officials to waive their rights under the Bank Secrecy Law for lifestyle checks, while Senate Bill No. 783 seeks to disqualify relatives of public officials from entering into government contracts.

Malacañang announced that Marcos ordered lifestyle checks among all officials as part of broader investigations into anomalous flood control projects.