SEN. Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos has called for the dissolution of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), which she claims has become a hub for misusing public funds by certain government agencies. This move comes as Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, leads a public hearing to discuss potential amendments to the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”
The PS-DBM was established during the administration of Marcos’ late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., with the aim of saving money through bulk purchasing of common-use supplies at a more affordable price. However, Marcos argues that the agency has now become irrelevant, as all government agencies are now capable of procuring small items independently.
Marcos highlights the notorious parking habits of certain agencies, such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Health (DoH), which have tarnished the reputation of the PS-DBM and triggered numerous investigations. By proposing the abolition of the PS-DBM through Senate Bill 1123, Marcos aims to address these concerns and ensure more transparent and efficient procurement practices.
In addition to the dissolution of the PS-DBM, the proposed measures also seek to establish a standardized warehousing and inventory system for all government procurement bodies. This would help streamline the procurement process and improve accountability. Furthermore, the measures include mandatory submission of documentation demonstrating bidders’ capacity to meet the government’s requirements, promoting fair competition and preventing favoritism.
Sen. Angara emphasizes the need to learn from the best procurement practices of different government agencies. He acknowledges that the inflexibility in the current law unintentionally limits options and forces agencies to make purchases that may not be the most cost-effective. By amending the law, Angara aims to create a more flexible framework that allows agencies to make informed decisions and optimize their procurement processes.
Another significant aspect of the proposed measures is the granting of authority to the Department of National Defense and the AFP to expedite the implementation of their modernization program. This provision recognizes the importance of modernizing the defense sector and ensuring that the armed forces have access to the necessary resources in a timely manner.
It is crucial to consider the international context when discussing procurement reforms. Each country has its own laws, customs, and practices regarding government procurement. By providing insights and commentary, we can better contextualize the issues for an international audience. The misuse of public funds is a concern that transcends borders, and it is important to highlight the efforts being made to address these issues in the Philippines.
In conclusion, Sen. Imee Marcos’ call for the dissolution of the PS-DBM sheds light on the alleged misuse of public funds by certain government agencies. The proposed measures aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the procurement process. By learning from the best practices of different government agencies and addressing the limitations of the current law, the Philippines can strive towards a more effective and responsible procurement system.
Source: The Manila Times
