Electronic Procurement in the Philippines

Following the mandate provided in the E-Commerce Act, Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, provides for the procurement of common supplies electronically from a common portal known as G-EPS or PhilGEPS. The service is now one of the few examples of government transactions done electronically. Below are the relevant sections of the GPRA.

ARTICLE III
Procurement by Electronic Means

Sec. 8. Procurement By Electronic Means. — To promote transparency and efficiency, information and communications technology shall be utilized in the conduct of procurement procedures. Accordingly, there shall be a single portal that shall serve as the primary source of information on all government procurement. The G-EPS shall serve as the primary and definitive source of information on government procurement. Further, the GPPB is authorized to approve changes in the procurement process to adapt to improvements in modern technology, provided that such modifications are consistent with the provisions of Sec. 3 of this Act.

To take advantage of the significant built-in efficiencies of the G-EPS and the volume discounts inherent in bulk purchasing, all Procuring Entities shall utilize the G-EPS for the procurement of common supplies in accordance with the rules and procedures to be established by the GPPB. With regard to the procurement of non-common use items, infrastructure projects and consulting services, agencies may hire service providers to undertake their electronic procurement provided these service providers meet the minimum requirements set by the GPPB.

Sec. 9. Security, Integrity and Confidentiality. — The G-EPS shall ensure the security, integrity and confidentiality of documents submitted through the system. It shall include a feature that provides for an audit trail for on-line transactions and allow the Commission on Audit to verify the security and integrity of the systems at any time.