GMA orders transparency in all gov’t biddings

President Arroyo urged the private sector and non-government organizations to get actively involved in the bidding of government projects to ensure transparency.

In issuing Memorandum Circular No. 105, Mrs. Arroyo enjoined all government departments, agencies and state-owned and controlled corporations to invite observers from the private sector and NGOs to "sit in all stages of the proceedings of their respective bids and awards committee" to enhance transparency and accountability in government transactions.

"The government recognizes the vital role of the private sector and non-government organizations in reducing, if not eliminating, graft and corruption in the procurement of goods, services and infrastructure projects through active participation and constructive advocacy," the President said.

The personalities who will sit as observers in the bids and awards committees of every government agency and corporation should come from duly recognized private groups and NGOs, including those accredited by the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference, she said.

Mrs. Arroyo tasked the Government Procurement Policy Board to work out appropriate guidelines to enable all agencies to comply with the memo.

The President vowed to fight graft and corruption in government to attract more investments and have more funds for projects.

She ordered collecting agencies to do away with fees and charges imposed on export clearances, inspections, permits, certificates and other documentation requirements to improve the country’s competitiveness in the export sector.

Mrs. Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 554 tasking all government departments and agencies, as well as government-owned and controlled corporations to eliminate the fees and charges, which had been identified as among the factors that negate the competitiveness of Philippine exports.

The President also issued EO No. 557 establishing the Anti-Red Tape Task Force to be headed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

One of the strategic measures for global competitiveness in the Medium Term Development Plan is to reduce red tape in all government agencies to reduce transaction costs, Mrs. Arroyo said in her order.

The President also created Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force to ensure that incoming and current investment projects would be processed and immediately completed.

The President has also issued Executive Order No. 553 establishing the Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force to be headed by Presidential Management Staff chief Arthur Yap.