The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured private sector partners on Friday that all procurement transactions with the Department will be conducted fairly, transparently, and without corruption, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for honest and transparent governance and Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s directive to strengthen accountability across all government dealings.

The assurance was made during the DILG Procurement Summit in Quezon City, where supply officers, procurement personnel, and private sector suppliers and service providers gathered to strengthen cooperation and promote transparency in public procurement.

DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Omar V. Romero, who also serves as the Department’s Head of the Procuring Entity (HoPE), underscored the Secretary’s firm directive to uphold integrity within the Department and its attached agencies.

“You have seen our Secretary and his initiatives against corruption within the DILG. If there are any irregularities or improper activities, the Department will not hesitate to pursue cases to the full extent of the law,” Romero said.

He stressed that corruption persists only when both sides tolerate irregular practices.

“Kung magkatapat ang loko-lokong supplier at loko-lokong government employee, they will both be happy. But it will bring down the agency,” Romero warned.

Romero assured suppliers that the DILG is committed to building ethical partnerships with the private sector and ensuring that legitimate suppliers are treated fairly in all procurement processes.

“That’s my promise as Head of the Procuring Entity. We will treat you fairly,” he said.

He also encouraged suppliers to report any irregularities they may encounter.

“If anyone in the DILG is asking for anything illicit, please let us know. Inform my office. The Secretary has a very strict ‘No Take’ policy,” Romero added.

Romero emphasized that procurement is a critical government function that must be carried out with integrity and efficiency.

“Procurement is an essential government function. No agency can perform without it. So we have to do it right and on time,” he said.

Organized by the DILG Procurement Management Division under the Administrative Service, the summit was attended by Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester A. Aldana; supply officers from the DILG Central Office; representatives from DILG regional offices in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and MIMAROPA; and private sector suppliers and industry partners.