The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) begin the transition period for the implementation of the new government procurement law, following its enactment on 20 July 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

 

The National Government Procurement Act (NGPA) promotes greater transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, professionalism, accountability and sustainability in the government procurement process.

 

It is seen to address existing loopholes in the current government procurement system by eradicating illegal practices to eliminate opportunities for corruption, thereby preventing wastage in public transactions and resulting to delivery of better services.  It will also speed up procurement activities since the period of action is shortened from 90 days to 60 days – from the opening of bids to the awarding of contract.

 

Section 112 of the NGPA or Republic Act No. 12009 provides that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall be finalized and approved by the GPPB within 180 days from the promulgation of the Act.

 

Meanwhile, the standard forms of procurement shall be completed and established within 90 days from the approval of the IRR.

 

DBM Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman earlier assured 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.

 

“We will make the government procurement process more transparent, and we will make use of 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,” Secretary Mina said.

 

"We urge all stakeholders to stay informed and prepared for these significant milestone and changes towards a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable government procurement," GPPB meanwhile said in an announcement in its social media page.

 

Furthermore, Section 113 of the NGPA states that the IRR of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184 or the existing GPA will remain in force to ensure the continued implementation of programs, activities, and projects, pending the approval of the IRR of the NGPA.

 

The new law also mandates the GPPB, Heads of Procuring Entities, all Procuring Entities, and the Bids and Awards Committees to fully implement the requirements of RA 12009, within a three-year transitory period from the approval of the procurement standard forms.