Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday advocated for the rigorous implementation of the lifetime blacklisting provision under Republic Act 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA). This law permanently prohibits contractors, suppliers, and consultants with violations from engaging in transactions with the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the importance of this enforcement as the government intensifies its comprehensive investigation into multi-billion peso flood control projects plagued by irregularities, including collusion between government officials and private contractors.

The new regulation is aimed at entities with severe or recurring breaches of procurement laws, ensuring their permanent exclusion from all future government bids. Pangandaman highlighted that this initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of fostering a government that is open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the public.

Under the NGPA, firms found guilty of fraud, falsification, collusion, or repeated non-compliance face permanent disqualification after three infractions-an approach modeled on the 'recidivist' principle, which targets habitual offenders.

Pangandaman also noted that the new procurement law enhances transparency in the procurement process through a more modern and stringent system, thereby combating corruption. In addition to lifetime bans, the law enforces stricter penalties, such as corrective actions, temporary suspensions, and two-year blacklisting for serious offenses.

The reform is designed to dismantle the 'palakasan' or favoritism system, ensuring that public funds are allocated only to responsible and reliable partners.