Heads of government agencies were ordered to proceed with alternate procurement procedure even for projects above P500 million as part of efforts to streamline and expedite government procurement policies.
In Executive Order No. 34 signed July 17 but made public on Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte amended Executive Order No. 423, series of 2005 which governs procedures on the review and approval of government contracts.
For government contracts entered through alternative methods of procurement, the Head of the Procuring Entity,can now proceed with alternative methods of procurement provided contracts worth at least P500 million even without the approval of the Government Procurement Policy Board.
Heads of agencies, however should issue a “certification under oath that the contract falls within the exceptions from public bidding, faithfully complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations to the government,” the EO said.
“Except for government contracts required by law to be acted upon and/or approved by the President, the Head of the Procuring Entity shall have full authority to give final approval and/or enter into said government contracts through applicable rules and regulations upon issuing the certificates mentioned,” the EO read.
Meanwhile, for government contracts requiring Presidential action or approval, they should be submitted with complete documentation to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) within seven days from approval by the Head of Procuring Entity for review and evaluation, the EO said.
