In her pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) interview, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman described the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) as "the biggest anti-corruption law in modern times."

 

Secretary Mina explained, “We will make the government procurement process more transparent by using technology. Whatever money we put in our budget, we would like the departments and agencies na magamit kaagad-agad para po sa ating mga kababayan.”

 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the NGPA and the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (AFASA) in Malacañang, last Saturday, 20 July 2024.

 

“With the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12009, that I signed just last Saturday, government procurement will be modern and innovative, more streamlined, efficient, and truly at par with global best practices,” mentioned the President in his SONA.

 

Known as Republic Act 12009, the new public procurement law implements several mechanisms that enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability. One of its important features is the use of the Most Economically Advantageous and Responsive Bid (MEARB), a new award criterion that prioritizes not only the economic value, but also quality, sustainability, and social impact.

 

Meanwhile, the Most Advantageous and Responsive Bid (MARB) allows procuring entities to take into account factors other than price, such as technical specifications, delivery time, and post-award services.

 

Sustainable Procurement is also highlighted, promoting environmentally friendly practices that evaluate the lifecycle cost of goods and services, including energy efficiency, recyclability, and overall environmental impact.

 

At an interview during the signing ceremony of the NGPA, Secretary Mina assured the public that the rules and regulations for new procurement alternatives, including the eMarketplace, are currently being developed. The eMarketplace is slated to revolutionize the procurement of common-use supplies and equipment (CSE), serving as the government's primary e-commerce platform.