Laws must keep up with the times and adopt new technologies to ensure that government processes are efficient, effective, and corruption-free, according to a lawmaker who was one of the bill's authors in Congress.
This was stated by Quezon City 1st District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s successful signing ceremony of the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) witnessed by the Senate and Congress over the weekend in Malacañang.
Atayde, one of the bill's authors, said that the measure is an example of forward-thinking reforms that harness the power of technology to improve governance and public service.
“Legislation must evolve with the times. The Government Procurement Reform Act ensures that our procurement processes are efficient and maximize existing and emerging technologies,” the actor explained.
The GPRA introduces the use of an electronic marketplace that would digitize the procurement of commonly used equipment. It also mandates proper market scoping and supply positioning and provides more options for procuring entities, such as direct acquisition and competitive dialogue.
The bill likewise cuts the period of action on procurement activities from 90 days down to 60 days. Atayde pointed out that “by introducing an electronic marketplace, the GPRA leverages digital technology to streamline procurement, reduce corruption, and ensure the responsible use of public funds.”
“This new law is about embracing technology to enhance transparency and accountability in government procurement. This is the kind of innovation our country needs to thrive," added the legislator.
The lawmaker explained that "good governance is about more than just slogans; it's about conceptualizing and implementing smart solutions that benefit our kababayan. The GPRA, I believe, is a step towards a more efficient and corruption-free government."
“This bill should just be the beginning, as we must continue to explore and implement technological advancements that can revolutionize and significantly improve our public services.“