The administration of President R. Marcos Jr., in a significant partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is making a profound impact in the fight against corruption, directly benefiting the delivery of essential public services across the Philippines. This collaboration underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and is instrumental in strengthening President Marcos’ ambitious reform agenda.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin highlighted the tangible results of this partnership in a recent column in the Philippine Star, emphasizing its pivotal role in revolutionizing public procurement. “This collaboration has been particularly evident in transforming public procurement, which directly impacts our ability to build quality schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges,” Bersamin stated. He added that transparent and efficient procurement processes lead to “better public services, improved infrastructure, and enhanced health care facilities that genuinely serve our people.”
A cornerstone of these reforms is the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) of 2024, a direct outcome of the collaborative efforts with the UNODC. The NGPA introduces critical enhancements, including the digitalization of processes under the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the launch of an e-Marketplace, inspired by popular online shopping platforms, to streamline government purchasing.
A key innovation within the NGPA, as highlighted by Bersamin, is the mandatory disclosure requirement for all prospective bidders, suppliers, contractors, and consultants to identify their ultimate owners. This groundbreaking provision directly targets bid collusion, preventing different companies controlled by the same individual from bidding against each other for the same contract. Furthermore, this disclosure helps uncover hidden conflicts of interest, safeguarding the integrity of the procurement process.
“For citizens, this means greater assurance that public funds aren’t being diverted through shadow companies or manipulated bidding,” Bersamin stressed. “For honest businesses, it creates a more level playing field where merit rather than connections determines who wins government contracts.”
The sustained implementation of these reforms has propelled the Philippines to a leading position in digital governance, now ranking sixth among 18 countries in the Asia Pacific Digital Nations Index and emerging as the leader in Southeast Asia.
Executive Secretary Bersamin underscored the indispensable value of international partnerships, such as that with the UN, in fostering mutual learning, exchanging best practices, and adapting global standards to local contexts. “As we advance our vision of ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ the Philippines’ experience offers valuable lessons on how digital transformation empowers citizens, creates transparency and establishes accountability,” he concluded.
