Leading business and governance organizations are calling for decisive action to overhaul the country’s public procurement system, citing a history of high-profile scandals that have drained public funds through political patronage and opaque bidding processes.
In a joint statement, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Justice Reform Initiative (JRI) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) demanded the immediate implementation of the New Government Procurement Act, also known as Republic Act 12009.
The groups said the intersection of dynastic influence and weak oversight has allowed corruption to thrive in cases ranging from the ZTE broadband deal and the Napoles pork barrel scam to more recent controversies involving Pharmally procurement and flood control projects.
Business groups proposed major initiatives beginning Jan. 1, 2026 to establish full transparency throughout the project life cycle.
The proposals include the mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership, financial red-flagging and a rapid response mechanism to address irregularities. To ensure public accountability, the groups called for a digital dashboard to track project delays, cost overruns and repeat contract winners, alongside the creation of secure whistleblower channels.
Statements of concern are no longer sufficient to address the persistent pattern of accountability failures, they said, as they urged the Sandiganbayan to expedite major corruption cases and called on the Government Procurement Policy Board to ensure RA 12009 is fully enforced.
The business leaders expressed readiness to support the reforms by sharing technical insights and assisting in independent monitoring. They noted that their involvement would maintain full respect for institutional independence and the rule of law.
The call for reform comes as the government faces mounting pressure to manage public resources more efficiently. By adopting these measures, advocates believe the Philippines can move toward a system where public funds, which often involve billions of pesos, are shielded from the influence of political dynasties and fraudulent contractors.
