ARTA flags unclear public procurement rules

As part of its mandate to facilitate the ease of doing business in the country, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has identified the need for clearer processing periods to enhance the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA).

- DEXTER BARRO II

As part of its mandate to facilitate the Lease of doing business in the country, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has identified the need for clearer processing periods to enhance the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA).

In a March 20 letter addressed to Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Alfredo Panlilio, Secretary Ernesto Perez, who is ARTA's director general, noted that several provisions in the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) lack specific timeframes for the issuance of essential procurement documents.

In particular, these documents include certifications related to detailed architecture and engineering design (under Section 8), the conferring of original offeror status (Section 30), and electronic bid submission (Section 50).