MANILA, Philippines – The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) is also expected to employ existing and emerging technologies that would help to ensure that government processes are efficient, effective and corruption-free.
Among the provisions of the NGPA, signed recently by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace, is the introduction of an “electronic marketplace” that would digitize the procurement of commonly used equipment.
For Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, one of the authors of the bill in Congress, such a digital platform is a product 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 not just efficient, but also maximize existing and emerging technologies,” Atayde said in a statement.
“By introducing an electronic marketplace, the GPRA leverages digital technology to streamline procurement, reduce corruption, and ensure the responsible use of public funds,” he added.
The NGPA 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 aims to shorten procurement activities from 90 days down to 60 days.
“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.
“Good governance is about more than just slogans; it’s about conceptualizing and implementing smart solutions that benefit our kababayans. The GPRA, I believe, is a step towards a more efficient and corruption-free government.”
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