New gov’t procurement bill breezes through Senate on final reading

The Senate building at the GSIS Complex in Pasay City. (Photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the proposed new Government Procurement Reform Act.

Senate Bill No. 2593, under Committee Report No. 214, secured the upper chamber’s final nod with 23 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

A letter was read during the chamber’s plenary session, indicating that the Palace has certified the measure as urgent.

“I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2593 – an act revising the Government Procurement Reform Act and for other purposes. The need to facilitate the passage of this important legislation is imperative in order to address the tedious procedure in public procurement and the need for procurement efficacy,” the letter from the Palace reads.

“The bill will also remedy the public emergency caused by the gaps in public spending which hampered the ability of the government to deliver substantial services to the people,” it adds.

READ: New government procurement reform bill advances

If enacted, the proposed New Government Procurement Reform Act will create an Electronic Procurement System.

It promotes  “greater transparency, accountability, operational efficiency, and value for money.”