Duterte orders gov’t agencies to comply strictly with publication of bid notices on websites

December 4, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government agencies to "comply strictly" with the publication of procurement notices in their respective websites. Memorandum Circular No. 36, which was issued on November 29 by the President, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, said also covered are other instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units. This was in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act," and its 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. "It is the policy of the State to promote good governance and to adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, equity, efficiency, and economy in its procurement process," the MC read. The law requires publication and posting of the invitation to bid/request for expression of interest in any conspicuous place in the premises of the procuring entity, PhilGEPs website and the website of the procuring entity, and a newspaper of general circulation nationwide, in "such manner and for such length of time as may be necessary under the circumstances or as may be provided for by law or regulations, in order to ensure the widest possible dissemination thereof." The memorandum circular shall take effect immediately. Celerina Monte/DMS