The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said that the implementation of the new Government Procurement Act (NGPA) will overhaul public procurement processes in the country.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangadaman said in a statement that the NGPA law, which has been her priority since she took office in 2022, will address the system’s existing issues and inefficiencies.
“The signing of the NGPA is a monumental step forward in our pursuit of a more efficient, transparent, and accountable government procurement system,” Pangandaman said.
It will simplify procurement procedures for national government agencies and local government units (LGUs), leading to improved project implementation and better public service delivery, Pangandaman said.
The NGPA, which amends the older Republic Act No. 9184, introduced standardized procurement forms and electronic procurement practices to speed up transactions and reduce bureaucracy.
It also introduces 11 new procurement methods to give government agencies more flexibility in acquiring goods and services. These methods include Competitive Bidding, Limited Source Bidding, and others to cater to different procurement needs.
Moreover, the NGPA introduces new concepts such as the Most Economically Advantageous and Responsive Bid (MEARB) and the Most Advantageous and Responsive Bid (MARB).
Another goal of the act is to establish professionalization as a critical principle of public procurement in the Philippines. This is achieved by developing a group of procurement professionals who possess technical expertise and adhere to ethical procurement practices.
“After this signing, we will develop rules and regulations for new alternatives. Within the year, we will have our eMarketplace,” Pangandaman said.
The NGPA also brings in electronic procurement through a centralized online system (PhilGEPS). The eMarketplace will transform the procurement of common-use supplies and equipment (CSE) by acting as the government’s main e-commerce platform.
“We are deeply grateful to the President and the honorable members of the Senate, especially Senator Sonny Angara, who authored and sponsored this bill. Our appreciation extends to the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, and House Committee on Revision of Laws Chairperson Edward Maceda. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making this significant reform a reality,” Pangandaman said.