SECRETARY Juanito Victor Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all personnel of the agency to fully comply with the law on government procurements, highlighting its relevance in promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public spending.
Addressing the department’s first NGPA (New Government Procurement Act) Caravan, Remulla underscored the importance of adhering to Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act, with integrity to ensure value for money in all procurement activities.
“I hope you obey this law. This is for all of us. This is for our people,” Remulla said in Filipino.
The Secretary emphasized that RA 12009 was enacted to modernize and streamline state purchasing procedures, eliminate corruption at all levels, and restore public trust in government.
“Ito po’y ginawa para mabawasan ang korapsyon sa ating bayan. Ito’y ginawa para tumaas ang tiwala ng ating mga constituents (This law was crafted to avoid corruption in our country. It was enacted to raise public trust in the government),” Remulla said.
He also cited the President’s call for transparency, good governance, and effective public service.
RA 12009, signed into law on July 20, 2024, amended RA 9184 with reforms meant to professionalize government procurement and strengthen digital systems.
The training caravan aims to equip bids and awards committee members and secretariats, as well as technical working groups in the bureaucracy with the knowledge and tools to implement the law.
DILG Undersecretary and head of procurement Omar Alexander Romero encouraged participants to treat purchases as a core governance tool.
“The only way to learn procurement is to practice it. Find a way to use procurement as a strategy, and not as an afterthought,” he said.
The training covered RA 12009 provisions on electronic procurement, contract management, and strategic planning. It also introduced new features including a fully digital PhilGEPS platform with e-catalogues, reverse auctions, e-payments, and mandatory video documentation for high-value contracts.
The law supports green procurement, domestic preference for local industries, wider procurement options, and the professionalization of procurement personnel.
The DILG continues to lead by example in embracing reforms that deliver public services with integrity, speed, and transparency.
