Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman announced that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), has officially been approved, marking another milestone in the government’s fight against corruption.

 

She shared the latest developments in the NGPA during a meeting with members of the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and other leaders and members of the business community on the sidelines of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting 2025.

 

“I am honored to share that the NGPA signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July 2024 is now hailed as the biggest anti-corruption measure in the country’s recent history. And I am happy to share that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the NGPA has already been approved just yesterday” Sec. Mina said.

 

The approval of the NGPA’s IRR was held in a meeting led by the Government Procurement Policy Board - Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) on 04 February 2025, where the Budget Secretary commended the Board for carrying out extensive consultations and collaborative refinements leading to its finalization.

 

The IRR will serve as the guidelines for the implementation of the new government procurement law.

 

“As we all know, public procurement is one of the governance aspects most prone to corruption, not just in the Philippines but across the globe. So, even before joining the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), I knew how important it was to update our 20-year-old Government Procurement Reform Act. A World Bank report even states that better procurement strategies and policies could save 26 to 29 percent of a government’s total procurement spending,” Sec. Mina emphasized.

 

Meanwhile, in line with the Philippines’ hosting of the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting 2025, Sec. Mina noted the importance of partnership and collaboration with all sectors of society to realize the open government agenda.

 

“By fostering dialogue between the government and the private sector on budget transparency, open governance, and policy reforms, you not only support our cause: you are our partners in our Agenda for Prosperity. Now, more than ever, we understand that true leadership is not defined by the position you hold but by your ability to empower people toward a shared goal of collaboration and good governance,” the Budget Secretary stated.

 

The OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting 2025 is happening from February 5-7, 2025, where key government officials, civil society leaders, and policymakers from more than 40 countries come together to enhance and promote open and good governance across Asia-Pacific.