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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Comelec vows 'level playing field', equal opportunity for all in its procurement ventures

Comelec vows 'level playing field', equal opportunity for all in its procurement ventures

Published Jul 17, 2023 08:30 am
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia vowed on Monday, July 17 that there will be a level playing field as well as equal opportunities for all in relation to the poll body's procurement ventures for future elections. *(Photo courtesy of the Office of Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia/Manila Bulletin)*
Garcia made the statement during Comelec's first-ever procurement summit. There, he pointed out that the summit aims to promote the poll body's commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Mas maganda po yung ganun para kahit papano masasabi niyo maayos naman diyan sa Comelec, mas maganda mag participate diyan. "Hindi pupwedeng iilan lang ang nakakaalam, iilan lang ang nagpaparticipate, naeexclude yung iba at pagkatapos yung iba walang nalalaman sa kung paano at ano ang ginagawa proseso ng Comelec lalo na when it comes to procurement (We can't allow that only a few know about it [procurement], only a few participate, and others are excluded while some have no knowledge on how and what the Comelec's process is especially when it comes to procurement)," Garcia explained. He added that the public sometimes misses out on the fact that the poll body is not only in charge of elections but half of its problems arise from supplies and procurement. During the event, Garcia also announced that they are set to release a procurement manual, which is currently being written to show that the agency, according to Garcia, is "predictable". "Ibig sabihin alam niyo kung nasaan kayo, ano ang requirements at bakit kayo kulang nung tinimbang at kung kayo ba ay makakapasa lalong lalo na pagdating sa mga requirements (This means you know where you are [in the process], what the requirements are and if you are qualified especially when it comes to requirements)," he explained. "So at least predictable. Yun po ay isang pagpapahalaga dahil katulad ng sinasabi sa amin ng Commission on Audit (COA), kinakailangan mayroon kang plan, mayroon kang manual (At least we're predictable. It's a form of appreciation because just like what COA tells us, we have to have a plan, a manual)," he added. Through this, the poll chief said that they will no longer just rely on Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. He also mentioned that they want everyone to know who is involved in the process of procurement. Garcia also disclosed that before, they often notice that those who participated in the procurement are the same names. Although he did not mention any, Garcia said that it's not believable that these names are the only ones interested in the Comelec procurement. "Ang dapat po lahat may pagkakataon magparticipate sa Comelec. Dapat wala po kayong takot na magparticipate sa procurement namin dahil maayos naman basta kumpleto ang dokumento. Ipapangako po natin sa inyo walang basta madidisqualify kung wala namang kadahilanan. Yan po yung commitment ng inyong Comelec (Everyone should have a chance to participate. You should not be afraid to take part in our procurement as long as your documents are complete. We vow not to disqualify anyone without reason. That's Comelec's commitment)," Garcia stated. "Just participate faithfully, and just complete the documentation, so long as you have the financial capacity, so long as you are able to comply with all the requirements I can honestly tell you and promise you can win a procurement," he added. The second day of Comelec's procurement summit will be held on Tuesday, July 18.

Related Tags

comelec chairman george garcia Comelec Commission on Elections (Comelec) comelec chairman george erwin garcia Commission on Elections
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