Teodoro: New procurement law to speed up, improve PH defense modernization

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Monday said the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) will speed up the modernization of the country's defensive capabilities .

“Bibilis lalo ang ating mga proseso, at pangalawa makakapili tayo ng talagang tunay na may kakayahan na mag supply sa matagalang panahon. Hindi lamang ng kapabilidad, kung hindi sustainment ng ating kagamitan,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview after the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.

(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.)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12009 or the NGPA on July 20. It amended 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 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.” —RF, GMA Integrated News