Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Monday said the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) will speed up the modernization of the country’s defensive capabilities .
“It will speed up the process, and second, we will be able to choose from really reliable suppliers who have the capacity to provide supplies for a long time. Not only in terms of capability, but also sustainment of our equipment,“ Teodoro said in an ambush interview after the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12009 or the NGPA on July 20, effectively amending RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The NGPA will speed up procurement activities since the period of action is shortened from 90 days to 60 days—from the opening of bids to the awarding of contracts.
Despite this, Teodoro said he still needs to look for funds for modernization, disaster risk and reduction, and the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center.
Teodoro also expressed hope that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the NGPA will be released this year.
“Hopefully by next year,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview when asked when the new legislation will be felt. “Sana lumabas na ang IRR by this year.”
