MANILA — A measure proposing express mode and electronic shopping as alternative methods of procurement has been filed at the House of Representatives.
Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua filed on Monday House Bill 8539, which seeks to improve and streamline government procurement processes to “improve the efficiency and effectiveness” of public service.
“Presently, most government procurements are done through competitive biddings to let the government get the most competitive prices. While there is nothing wrong with ensuring the most competitive prices, the cumbersome process of competitive bidding often prevents the responsible government agencies from delivering their services in a timely manner,” Cua said in his explanatory note.
“Moreover, a huge portion of government procurements are repeat orders and resupplies,” he added.
Under the bill, express mode is a method of procurement that involves direct procurement from a winning bidder who previously won through competitive bidding, subject to challenges from better offers.
Meanwhile, electronic shopping is a method of procurement wherein the procuring entity could solicit price quotations for rated products through an online platform and select a supplier from said quotations.
Cua said the bill shall also establish a rating system for goods procured by government.
Under the rating system, products shall be rated based on its technical specifications and user feedback.
This online platform, Cua said, would help government easily compare prices, quality, and aftersales services of available suppliers.
“Our procurement law places a heavy burden on procuring entities to do their research and craft specifications accurately. At present, the different government entities work in silos. This leads to work being repeated across different entities. By establishing a rating system together with the online platform, we can have a standardized and transparent database that will prevent one agency from repeating due diligence that has already been done previously,” he said. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)
