Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has directed all DILG personnel to fully comply with Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act, highlighting its role in promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public spending.

Speaking at the Department’s first NGPA Caravan, Remulla underscored the importance of practicing the law with integrity to ensure value for money in all procurement activities. “Sana tuparin ninyo ang batas na ito. Ito’y para sa atin, ito’y para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The Secretary emphasized that the law was enacted to modernize and streamline procurement 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,” he added, echoing the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for transparency, good governance, and effective public service.

The NGPA, signed into law on July 20, 2024, revising RA 9184 and introduces reforms that will professionalize procurement and strengthen digital systems. The training caravan aims to equip Bids and Awards Committee members, BAC Secretariats, and Technical Working Groups across the bureaucracy with the knowledge and tools to implement the law.

DILG Undersecretary and Head of Procuring Entity Atty. Omar Alexander Romero encouraged participants to treat procurement 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 NGPA 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.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Remulla-urges-strict-compliance-with-new-procurement-law-to-promote-transparency-and-efficiency/NC-2025-1137