Senator Erwin Tulfo on Monday announced that he is set to file a bill seeking to criminalize the “license for rent” scheme, which was uncovered as a major operation in the Senate’s investigation into the flood control scam.
The measure, titled the “License Integrity Act,” aims to penalize the lending, borrowing, or fraudulent use of government-issued licenses.
Under the proposal, offenders would face imprisonment ranging from three to twelve years, and fines between P300,000 and P3 million.
The bill seeks to cover licenses issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways for contractors, the Bureau of Customs for customs brokers, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for environmental compliance.
“These privileges have often been misused and abused. A disturbing practice has emerged where grantees lend, lease, sell, or otherwise allow third parties to unlawfully use their licenses, while others fraudulently obtain or misrepresent such privileges to cloak illegitimate transactions under the guise of legality,” he explained.
This measure, according to him, would also impose administrative and criminal penalties on public officials who issue licenses to unqualified or conflicted applicants.
Tulfo assured that the proposed law is intended to close loopholes that enable corruption and deception in sectors heavily reliant on licensing systems.
“This affirms the nature of licenses and permits as personal, non-transferable privileges subject to the continuing oversight of the State,” he said.
