For transparency: Bidding to be livestreamed

CEBU, Philippines — In a move to promote transparency and accountability, the Cebu Provincial Government will now livestream all competitive bidding proceedings conducted by its Bids and Awards Committees (BAC).

This comes after Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 37, series of 2025, on July 28, mandating the livestreaming of procurement-related activities.

The order, which aligns with constitutional provisions and national laws, underscores the importance of public integrity, accountability, and the people’s right to information.

Provincial Administrator Joseph Felix Mari “Ace” Durano said the policy is already provided under the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009), but the Executive Order ensures its active implementation.

“This is already required by law. But because of the Executive Order of Governor Pam on transparency, we are just implementing it,” Durano said.

The EO requires livestreaming of all procurement conferences, including pre-procurement meetings, pre-bid conferences, bid openings, and other BAC sessions, through official government websites and social media platforms.

Mainstream media may also cover these activities live, provided they do not disrupt proceedings.

Durano said BAC has already been video recording meetings and will begin livestreaming during the first open bid scheduled next week.

“We started already in our previous BAC meetings, but it is going to be in our next week's meeting where we will have our very first open bid. So that's when the livestream will come in,” he added.

Under Section 5 of EO 37, livestreaming is required for all bidding processes, regardless of project amount. However, video recordings must be stored for five years only for projects exceeding P10 million for goods, P20 million for infrastructure, and P5 million for consulting services.

“In line with this, while livestreaming is mandated regardless of the amount involved, only those meeting the monetary threshold are subject to video recording and storing for the 5-year period,” the EO reads.

The initiative aims to deter overpricing, collusion, and manipulation in the procurement process while fostering public trust in government transactions.

“Since it's livestreaming—even if the constituents are not physically present in the BAC office—people who are interested can follow the proceedings,” Durano said.

All implementing offices are required to set up or maintain official websites and social media platforms for livestreaming purposes.

For contracts with a budget of P50 million and above, post-award details must also be published in newspapers of general circulation. Required disclosures include the project name, approved budget, contract period, name and address of the winning bidder, contract amount, date of award and acceptance, and the implementing office.

The Provincial Public Information Office (PIO) is designated as the lead agency for livestreaming and publication. It is tasked with ensuring compliance, managing staffing and training, and upholding the Data Privacy Act.

“Transparency is the default,” the EO states. Documents not legally classified as confidential are presumed open and accessible to the public.

Sensitive personal data and trade secrets will be redacted prior to publication, unless waived by the concerned parties.

Section 6 of the EO also mandates the regular publication of the Government Procurement Policy Board’s (GPPB) Consolidated Blacklisting Report, including reasons, penalties, and the concerned agency.

Public officials or employees who fail to comply with the EO may face administrative sanctions.

Funding for livestreaming equipment, IT upgrades, staffing, and training will be sourced from the annual provincial budget or other lawful sources.

The order also seeks to address previous procurement inefficiencies by promoting digital documentation and access to records.

EO 37 supports various legal mandates including RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), RA 12009 (New Government Procurement Act), and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

“The Cebu Provincial Government is committed to ensuring fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory competition for the procurement of goods, infrastructure projects and consulting services, champions the practice of good governance, public accountability, and the efficient and effective management of public resources,” the EO reads. — (FREEMAN)